Do you have multiple missing teeth? Are your missing teeth making it difficult to bite and chew properly? Restore your smile with dental bridges in our Oxford, PA dental office. Dental bridges are dental prosthetics that help replace rows of missing teeth. Dr. Stefan Speck provides customized restorative treatment to his patients that can help make their lives easier.
Patients who are missing multiple teeth often find it difficult to eat properly or speak clearly. Replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge can solve these missing teeth problems.
Removable, Fixed, and Implant Dental Bridges
Dental bridges can either be removable or fixed. Removable dental bridges are usually meant to be temporary and are worn when the permanent dental bridge is not yet complete. Traditional fixed dentures are dental prosthetics made of metal and porcelain ceramic. They are held in place by teeth that are adjacent to the tooth gap. These natural teeth are capped off with dental crowns. However, traditional fixed bridges do not provide the stability that dental implants can provide.
Dental implant-secured bridges fully retain the bite and last longer than removable or traditionally fixed options. Implant bridges are supported by multiple strategically placed dental implants for a natural-looking restoration.
Treatment with Dental Bridges
To begin dental bridge treatment, Dr. Speck will examine the teeth and gums. If you require gum disease therapy or tooth extraction, Dr. Speck will provide you with the appropriate treatment. Then, Dr. Speck will take impressions of the teeth. He will send these impressions to a dental lab, where the bridge prosthetic and dental crowns are fabricated.
If you are receiving an implant-supported dental bridge, Dr. Speck will coordinate the implantation procedure with an oral surgeon. The oral surgeon will place several dental implants to support the dental bridge. Once your implants heal, Dr. Speck will attach the dental bridge prosthetic. Patients who want a traditional dental bridge will receive their permanent restoration after the dental crowns and prosthetic is complete.
Dental Bridge Before & After
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a good candidate for a dental bridge?
Generally, a good candidate for dental bridges is anyone who has one or more missing teeth and cannot have a dental implant. You should have enough healthy teeth and gums to support the bridge. It is also for anyone who has one or more missing teeth and cannot have a dental implant. A dental bridge can help restore the appearance of the smile and can improve chewing, speaking, and digestion. Additionally, it helps prevent remaining teeth from shifting out of their natural alignment due to extra space in the mouth.
How do you clean under a dental bridge?
When you have a dental bridge, it is important to clean underneath your dental bridge to remove plaque and bacteria. To clean under a dental bridge you must use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth twice a day. Be sure to brush under the dental bridge as well as on top of it. You should also floss at least once a day. When you floss, you should use an interdental brush or floss threader to get underneath the dental bridge. Lastly, you should rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash daily.
Do dental bridges look natural?
Yes, dental bridges can look very natural. Dentists use a dental bridge to replace one or more missing teeth. Your dentist will anchor the bridge to the teeth on either side of the gap which is the result of the missing tooth or teeth. Dental bridges contain materials such as porcelain, ceramic, and metal alloys. Your dentist will customize porcelain and ceramic materials to match the color and shape of your existing teeth. As a result, the bridge will blend in with your natural teeth.
In addition, the dentist will tailor the design of your bridge to match the natural contours of your mouth, giving it a more natural appearance. Your dentist will take into account the size, shape, and color of your surrounding teeth to create a bridge. With proper care, a well-made dental bridge can look and function like your natural teeth.
Will I be awake during my dental bridge procedure?
Yes. A dental bridge is not a surgical procedure. As a result, you will be awake during the procedure. Your dentist will provide you with an anesthetic that will make you comfortable during the procedure.
How soon can you eat after a bridge?
You should wait about one hour to eat or drink after a dental procedure. You should also avoid hard or sticky foods for at least 2 to 3 hours. Patients should continue their regular brushing and flossing routines and follow post-procedure instructions from their dentist.
How many teeth can a dental bridge replace?
Dentists usually use a dental bridge to restore two to four teeth. A dental bridge can look identical to natural teeth and function like them. However, bridges are not suitable for full arch replacement. Dentists also use dental bridges with dental implants to provide a strong tooth replacement.
Restore Your Smile Today
Do you want to replace multiple missing teeth with a dental bridge? Contact Oxford Family Dentistry by calling 610.753.4506. You may also request a dental consultation with Dr. Speck on our website.