Impact of Dental Bridges on Oral Health

Dental bridges are fixed dental restorations that replace one or more missing teeth by bridging the gap between two adjacent teeth. Typically, a bridge consists of two crowns on either side of the gap, known as abutment teeth, which anchor the false tooth (or teeth), called pontics. These pontics can be made from various materials, including porcelain, gold, alloys, or a combination, tailored to blend seamlessly with the patient's natural teeth. Dental bridges restore the aesthetics of a smile and maintain the alignment of surrounding teeth, improve bite function, and prevent potential oral health issues like tooth shifting and bone loss.

Types of Dental Bridges

Traditional Dental Bridges

This is the most common type of dental bridge. It consists of one or more pontics (false teeth) held in place by dental crowns (abutments) on either side of the gap. These crowns are cemented onto the natural teeth adjacent to the missing tooth or teeth.

Cantilever Bridges

Cantilever bridges are used when adjacent teeth are on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth. Traditional bridges are less common and may not be suitable for areas of the mouth with significant biting force.

Maryland Bonded Bridges (Resin-Bonded Bridges)

Maryland bridges consist of a pontic held in place by a metal or porcelain framework. Resin cement binds This framework to the back of the adjacent natural teeth. Maryland bridges often replace front teeth and require minimal preparation of adjoining teeth.

Implant-Supported Bridges

Implant-supported bridges are anchored to dental implants rather than adjacent natural teeth. Dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone to provide stable support for the bridge. This type of bridge is particularly beneficial when multiple adjacent teeth are missing, or the surrounding natural teeth are not strong enough to support a traditional bridge.

Procedure for Getting Dental Bridges

Initial Consultation and Examination

The process begins with an initial consultation with our dentist in Fort Smith, AR, who will examine your teeth and gums to determine if dental bridges are suitable for you. This assessment includes evaluating the health of the abutment teeth (adjacent teeth to the gap) and the surrounding oral structures. X-rays may be taken to understand the teeth and bone structure better.

Treatment Planning

Once it's confirmed that dental bridges are appropriate, the dentist will discuss the treatment plan with you. This includes choosing the type of bridge best suited to your needs and deciding on the material for the pontics and crowns. The treatment plan will also outline the appointments needed and the estimated cost.

Preparation of Abutment Teeth

The abutment teeth are prepared to support the bridge during the next appointment. This involves reshaping these teeth to create space for the crowns to hold the pontics. Local anesthesia is typically administered to ensure your comfort during this process.

Impression Taking

After the abutment teeth are prepared, impressions of your teeth are taken. These impressions are used to create a precise mold of your teeth and sent to a dental laboratory where the custom bridge is fabricated. Temporary crowns or bridges may be placed to protect the exposed teeth while the permanent bridge is being made.

Bridge Placement

Once the permanent bridge is ready (usually within a couple of weeks), you'll return to the dentist for the final fitting. The dentist will remove the temporary bridge or crowns and check the fit and color of the new bridge. Adjustments may be made to ensure a proper fit and bite alignment. The bridge is then cemented securely over the abutment teeth.

Follow-Up and Care Instructions

After the bridge is placed, our dentist will instruct you on how to care for your new restoration. This typically includes proper oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing and flossing, and scheduling follow-up appointments to monitor the bridge's condition and overall oral health. Contact us today to learn more.

Ways Dental Bridges Can Benefit Oral Health

• Missing teeth can make chewing difficult and affect how food is processed in the mouth. Dental bridges in Fort Smith, AR, restore the ability to bite and chew properly, crucial for maintaining a balanced diet and overall nutrition.

• Teeth support facial muscles and maintain the natural shape of the face. A dental bridge fills the gap left by missing teeth, helping to preserve facial contours and prevent the collapse of surrounding teeth into the space.

• Missing teeth can sometimes affect speech by altering how air flows through the mouth. Dental bridges restore the proper spacing and alignment of teeth, which can improve the clarity and pronunciation of speech sounds.

• When teeth are missing, the remaining teeth may bear extra force during chewing, leading to excessive wear or damage over time. Dental bridges distribute bite forces evenly across all teeth, reducing the strain on individual teeth and promoting long-term oral health.

• The presence of teeth helps stimulate the underlying jawbone tissue through chewing and biting. When teeth are missing, this stimulation diminishes, leading to bone loss in the jaw. Dental bridges provide the necessary support to the jawbone, helping to maintain its density and structure.

• Dental bridges are fixed in place and can be cleaned like natural teeth with regular brushing and flossing. Proper oral hygiene around the bridge helps prevent gum disease and decay, promoting oral health.

• Dental bridges restore the appearance of a complete smile and play a crucial role in maintaining oral health by preserving alignment, function, and integrity of surrounding teeth and bone structure.

Dental bridges offer a reliable and aesthetically pleasing solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring both function and appearance to your smile. Visit Parklane Family Dental at 3200 Rogers Avenue, Suite 111, Fort Smith, AR 72903, 5204 W Village Parkway, #17 Rogers, AR 72758, 5111 Rogers Avenue, Suite 207, Fort Smith, AR 72903, or 617 E Emma, Springdale, AR 72764 to learn more about dental bridges and find out if they're the right solution for you. You can also book an appointment online or call (479) 782-0080, (479) 273-0004, and (479) 484-0777.