Dental bridges can last five to fifteen years, and even longer with good oral hygiene!
The dental bridge process begins with an initial consultation with Dr. Koneru at Black Dog Dental Studio. During this appointment, Dr. Koneru will examine your teeth and gums to assess your oral health and determine whether a dental bridge is the best option for you. This may involve taking X-rays or other imaging to fully evaluate the condition of your teeth.
Once it's determined that a bridge is the best solution, the next step is preparing the abutment teeth for the bridge. This involves recontouring these teeth by removing a portion of their enamel to allow room for a crown to be placed over them. Next, impressions of the teeth are made, which serve as a model from which the bridge, crowns, and pontic (false tooth) will be made by a dental lab.
After your bridge has been crafted, it's time for placement. During this visit, Dr. Koneru will check and adjust the bridge as necessary to achieve a proper fit. Multiple visits may be necessary to check the fit of the metal framework and bite. Once the adjustments are made, the bridge is cemented into place.
One of the most noticeable benefits of dental bridges is the restoration of your smile. A missing tooth can cause you to feel self-conscious about your appearance. A dental bridge fills in that gap with a tooth that looks and feels natural, so you can smile with confidence again.
Missing teeth can make it difficult to chew food properly and can cause speech problems. Dental bridges restore the structure of your teeth, making it easier to eat and speak.
A missing tooth can lead to bone loss in the jaw, which can alter the shape of your face. Dental bridges help maintain the shape of your face by preventing this bone loss.
Dental bridges help distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth.