Your gum health is crucial to your overall well-being. Yet, many people neglect their gums and focus solely on their teeth. However, the truth is that healthy gums are the foundation for a healthy smile. Without proper gum care, you could be putting yourself at risk for various dental problems, such as gum disease and tooth loss. If your gums are ravaged by gum disease, the dental team at Spring Green Family Dental will likely prescribe dental deep cleaning (scaling and root planing).
If you’re browsing different restorative methods, you might notice that there are many different tooth replacement options available. Dental bridges are tried and true. Aside from durability, longevity, and cost-effectiveness, here are the top reasons why people choose this type of restoration:
During your initial consultation, your dentists will examine your mouth, take X-rays, and discuss your specific needs and the most suitable type of tooth replacement for you.
The teeth adjacent to the gap, known as abutment teeth, are prepared to support the bridge. This involves reshaping these teeth by removing a portion of enamel to make room for the crowns that will be placed over them.
After preparing the abutment teeth, our dentists will take impressions, which serve as a model for constructing the bridge, pontic (the artificial tooth), and crowns and send them to our dental lab where the bridge is made to fit the specific contours of your mouth.
While your permanent bridge is being crafted, our Katy, TX, restorative dentists will place a temporary bridge to protect the prepared teeth and gums. This temporary solution helps maintain your appearance and functionality until the permanent bridge is ready.
After the dental lab finishes your customized bridge, you’ll return to Spring Green Family Dental for fitting. The temporary bridge will be removed, and the new one will be placed and adjusted for comfort. Once properly fitted, the permanent bridge is bonded to the abutment teeth for stability.
Our restorative dentists will make any final adjustments needed to ensure your bite is correct and you are comfortable with the bridge. Follow-up visits may be scheduled to monitor the placement and address any concerns you may have.
With proper care and good oral hygiene, dental bridges can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years and sometimes even longer.
Modern dental bridges are designed to match the natural color and shape of your teeth, making them virtually indistinguishable from your real teeth.
Maintaining a dental bridge is similar to caring for natural teeth. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing, and regular dental check-ups to ensure the longevity of the bridge.
Initially, you may need some time to adjust to your new dental bridge. However, it will eventually feel natural, and you should be able to eat and speak without difficulty.
If you are considering tooth replacement options, a dental bridge may be the right choice for you. Spring Green Family Dental can help you explore everything you need to know about getting a dental bridge–from what they are, their benefits, and how the process works–so that you can make an informed decision about your oral health.
