There are many reasons why you might need to treat a toothache or prevent it in the first place. Missing teeth are among the most common, and unfortunately, these can be difficult to treat without sacrificing other teeth in the process or spending thousands of dollars on dental procedures that may not be necessary. One alternative to consider is the dental bridge procedure. This will not only help you get rid of your toothache but also replace any missing teeth with permanent ones that feel and look just like natural teeth. Here’s how it works!
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge replaces missing teeth with artificial ones that are anchored by crowns on either side of your mouth. A bridge functions like natural teeth, acting as a foundation for replacement teeth. Your dentist will make impressions of your mouth and send them to a dental lab, where your new bridge will be custom-made. During your visit, your dentist will remove any decay from your remaining teeth and prepare a space for each crown. After taking an impression of each jaw and attaching fake teeth, he or she will place temporary caps on all but one tooth. If you’re getting bridges in multiple areas—for example, a full mouth reconstruction—your permanent crowns may be made first before all other work is done.
How does it work?
Tooth bridges are dental crowns attached to natural teeth or dental implants. Bridges are typically used in situations where one or more teeth are missing and adjacent teeth need support, usually because of decay or injury. A bridge is placed over a gap in a patient’s smile that cannot be treated with a traditional dental crown. Two dental crowns are cemented on either side of the gap; one goes on an existing tooth, while another is attached to two dental implants that have been placed in your jawbone. Once everything has been prepared, your dentist will make an impression of your mouth and send it off for fabrication. This process takes about three weeks and involves multiple visits for adjustments before it’s ready for placement.
Getting a dental bridge done
There are two main dental treatments for missing teeth. The first, and most common treatment, is a dental implant. However, it’s not always possible to install an implant in certain cases. For example, if there aren’t enough available bone resources for implants or you want a faster solution, then you might consider a bridge instead. A bridge essentially acts as middle man between your remaining teeth and your missing tooth(s). A false tooth called a pontic is attached at one end of a synthetic tooth-shaped bar—called an abutment—and connects on both sides of your mouth with crowns that are secured into place over existing teeth in order to hold everything in place.
Recovery & prognosis
There are two important factors that impact how well you recover from having a dental bridge procedure: your overall health and your tolerance for pain. Although serious complications aren’t common, mild ones like an infection at a site where an implant is placed are possible. Overall, however, most people can expect to be back on their feet in just a few days. After that, it takes around six weeks for your mouth and gums to fully heal; if they’re still bothering you after that point, talk with your dentist about it so they can suggest a solution.
FAQ about dental bridges
Your dentist may recommend a dental bridge for missing teeth. The procedure will involve making an impression of your mouth, followed by a 3D scan of your teeth and surrounding bone structure. The scan will then be used as a template for your replacement tooth, which is typically made out of porcelain or other dental materials. Porcelain is favored because it matches natural tooth enamel better than some other substances that are sometimes used in dentistry. Once you have received your new false tooth, permanent teeth may begin shifting around it. To prevent further damage, you should be extremely careful about what foods you eat while wearing a dental bridge or any other type of false tooth.
Why choose permanent dental bridgework over removable ones?
A bridge is a great option if you are missing one or several teeth, and no longer want removable dentures. A bridge will look natural, as it is designed to resemble your adjacent teeth. It will improve chewing efficiency and restore lost biting power. With proper care, bridges can last 10-15 years, making them a fantastic long-term solution.
What are removable dental bridges?
How to treat toothache, restore your smile and improve your ability to chew food. A dental bridge is essentially a false tooth that's attached to two or more other teeth on either side of an empty space. A good alternative for people who do not like dentures or cannot wear them for any reason, bridges are a permanent solution for missing teeth. Getting a dental bridge will involve two appointments: At first, your dentist will prepare and shape some of your existing teeth in order to hold the false tooth in place, while at a second appointment he or she will place and fixate (glue) it permanently into place.
What are the other options if I need to treat my missing teeth?
If you have missing teeth, your dentist might recommend getting a dental bridge. With a dental bridge, you’d replace two or more teeth with artificial ones. The false teeth would be connected to your existing ones via a pontic—basically a fake tooth that holds all of them together. Here are some things to know about bridges: they can improve your bite, but they won’t change how much space there is in your mouth; they aren’t removable like dentures; and if you decide on one, it will likely require several follow-up appointments for adjustments. Another thing: unlike dentures and other options for replacing missing teeth, dental bridges take time (and money) to create—sometimes as long as three months!
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