Welcome to the realm of dental health. Today, we’re stepping into the shoes of a general dentist. We’ll demystify a common dental procedure—dental bridges. San Ramon Emergency Dentistry, a leading dental clinic, sheds light on this topic. The aim is simple. You’ll gain a clear understanding of dental bridges: what they are, why they’re important, and how they’re done. Let’s dive in.
What are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges serve a simple purpose. They bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. It’s a simple solution, but it makes a big difference.
Importance of Dental Bridges
Why bother with dental bridges? They do more than just improve your smile. They help maintain your face shape. They distribute your bite force correctly. They also prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position.
Building a Dental Bridge: The Process
Building a dental bridge involves several steps. First, the dentist prepares the teeth on either side of the gap. These teeth serve as anchors for the bridge. Next, impressions are taken. These guide the creation of the bridge, pontic (replacement tooth), and crowns. Finally, the dentist puts the bridge in place. With good care, the bridge can last up to 15 years.
Types of Dental Bridges
Not all dental bridges are the same. They can be traditional, cantilever, or Maryland. Traditional bridges are the most common. They involve creating a crown for the tooth on either side of the missing tooth. Cantilever bridges are used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth. Maryland bridges involve attaching the fake tooth to the backs of adjacent teeth.
| TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
| Traditional | Crown created for the tooth on either side of the missing tooth |
| Cantilever | Used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth |
| Maryland | Attaching the fake tooth to the backs of adjacent teeth |
Conclusion
Dental bridges offer a great solution for missing teeth. They help maintain oral health and improve smiles. If you think you might need a dental bridge, speak with a dentist. They can guide you through the process. Remember, your oral health matters. Take care of it.
For more information on dental bridges, visit the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research website.
