Dental Bridge Bend OR![]() What are the Effects of Tooth Loss?Losing a tooth can have several significant effects, even if the tooth cannot be seen when you smile. Effects of tooth loss include:
What is a Bridge?A bridge is a traditional restoration that is commonly used to replace a missing tooth. There are a few different types of bridges available. The most common type, however, is the fixed bridge. This bridge, typically made from porcelain, consists of a pontic, or replacement, tooth that fills in the empty space your tooth has left behind. There are also two crowns, one on each side of the pontic tooth. The crowns fit over the adjacent healthy teeth, or abutment teeth, anchoring the bridge securely in place. Bridge PlacementPlacing your bridge typically takes two separate appointments to complete. The first appointment is designated for preparing the abutment teeth and taking the impressions needed to create your custom bridge. Preparing the abutment teeth requires that we remove a portion of the enamel from each one. This reduces the teeth in size so that the crowns will work properly over them, and your bridge will fit naturally into place. After preparing the teeth, which is done under local anesthetic, we take an impression of your mouth. The impression is sent to our dental lab and used to design and create your custom bridge. While you wait for your bridge to be completed, a temporary restoration is placed. This helps to protect the abutment teeth and restore functionality for your mouth. Your second appointment occurs when your bridge has been completed. We check it for fit and bite, and bond it into place on your abutment teeth. Benefits of a BridgeWith a bridge, you are provided many benefits. These include:
Replacing a missing tooth is essential, even it cannot be seen when you smile. If you have suffered tooth loss, call Aesthetic Dentistry of Bend - Thomas E. Wold, DMD today at (541) 389-0261 to schedule your consultation and find out if a bridge is a right solution for you. |