Dental Bridges
Losing a tooth, whether due to injury or decay, can be a distressing experience. It is not just an aesthetic concern; it can also impact your oral health and overall quality of life. Fortunately, here at All Smiles Munster in Munster, IN, we have solutions for you known as dental bridges! Dental bridges are vital for those looking to restore their smiles and maintain proper oral function. They offer a bridge across the gap created by missing teeth, providing patients with renewed confidence and comfort.
What are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. It’s called a bridge because it bridges the gap where a tooth once was. The procedure involves creating a ‘bridge’ between the gap by fixing a false tooth, also known as a pontic, to adjoining natural teeth. The pontic is typically made of porcelain for durability and aesthetics to match the color and texture of your natural teeth.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Beyond the aesthetic enhancement, dental bridges offer a range of benefits that can positively impact a patient’s life.
- Restoring Missing Teeth and Improving Aesthetics: The primary benefit of dental bridges is restoring your smile. Having missing teeth can affect the shape of your face and your speech. Bridges ensure that you maintain the proper shape of your face and that the gaps in your teeth do not mar your speech.
- Restoring Proper Chewing and Speaking Functionality: Missing teeth can make it difficult to chew food properly. Dental bridges help distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing those teeth, which can prevent other teeth from drifting out of position, leading to malocclusion.
Procedure for Getting Dental Bridges
The process of getting a dental bridge requires at least two visits to the dentist. Each step is crucial for the success of the treatment.
Initial Consultation with the Dentist
During your first visit, Dr. Bunmi Adekugbe will conduct a comprehensive examination to determine if a dental bridge is the right solution for you. Dr. Bunmi Adekugbe will take X-rays of the teeth and jaws and discuss your options and what you expect from the treatment.
Preparing the Abutment Teeth
At the next visit, we will prepare your abutment teeth will be prepared. Dr. Adekugbe will remove a portion of the enamel to make room for a crown that he will place over your teeth. These crowns will hold the pontic in place. After preparation, we will take impressions of your teeth and send them to a dental laboratory to construct the bridge.
Taking Impressions and Creating the Bridge
The impressions serve as a model from which we will make the bridge, pontic, and crowns. These restorations can take several weeks to come to be, so Dr. Adekugbe will likely install a temporary bridge to protect the exposed teeth and gums. In contrast, the final bridge is being made.
Placing and Adjusting the Bridge
Once the bridge is ready, you will return to our office to have it fitted. The bridge may be temporarily cemented for a couple of weeks to ensure it’s the proper fit for bite and comfort. After a successful trial period, we will permanently cement your bridge into place.
Caring for Dental Bridges
Maintaining dental bridges is crucial to ensure their durability and the health of your surrounding teeth and gums.
Proper Oral Hygiene Practices
Brushing your teeth at least twice daily, flossing your teeth and bridge daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash regularly can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease that could lead to further tooth loss. Dr. Adekugbe can provide special floss threaders and brushes designed for cleaning around the bridge.
Regular Dental Check-Ups and Maintenance
Schedule regular dental check-ups to ensure your bridge and the surrounding teeth are in good condition. Dr. Adekugbe may recommend additional appointments if problems with the bridge or your oral health arise.
Dental Bridges in Munster, IN
With the help of our highly educated and skilled dentist, Dr. Bunmi Adekugbe, you can get the restoration your smile deserves. Dental bridges may be your solution if you are missing more than one tooth. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Bunmi Adekugbe today! Embark on the journey to a restored, healthy smile.