Bridges
Restorative dentistry consists of a vast array of services. These are all things that Cornelius Dental Clinic is here to help you with. One example of this is bridges.
Understanding What Bridges Are
Bridges are recommended for anyone who’s missing at least one tooth in some part of their mouth. With this fixed dental restoration, the area in which you’re missing teeth is replaced by artificial ones (a.k.a. pontics) that are attached to your adjacent teeth. These adjacent teeth are what’s known as anchors or abutments. The crowns are then attached and cover your abutments.
Why You May Want Bridges
Any area of your mouth in which you’re missing more than one tooth is a good place to get a bridge. We’re able to connect as many as four crowns in this area to fill your space with teeth if you have enough anchor teeth available. Doing so will restore your teeth’s full function to you, meaning you’ll be able to eat and speak correctly once again. None of this will change your bite because you won’t lose any bone mass nor will your teeth shift around inside your mouth any, which means you also won’t undergo any changes to your facial structure either.
How The Bridge Procedure Works
When your bridge is constructed, it’ll rest on your surrounding teeth, as long as they’re healthy. We must shape these teeth before we can fit you with a bridge though. Before starting this procedure, we’ll give you some local anesthetic to make sure that you’re sufficiently numb and won’t feel any pain. The entire procedure will take more than one appointment, so you’ll have a temporary bridge given to you to wear between the appointment in which your teeth are shaped and the appointment at which time your bridge is permanently fitted. Neither of these appointments should be very painful for you though.
How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?
Although you may think that your dental bridge would be permanently cemented in place in your mouth, this isn’t true. Unless you have a fixed bridge (one that we cement into place for you), you’ll be able to remove your bridge and clean it. Regardless of what type of bridge you get, you can expect it to last anywhere from 5-15+ years. If you want it to last longer, make sure you maintain good oral hygiene and routine dental appointments.
How To Clean Your Dental Bridge
You’ll clean your dental bridge like you clean your teeth. Floss around your gums and along the base of the bridge. Afterward, brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush using back-and-forth movement. This will remove the plaque in that area, which you’ll then want to wash away with a mouthwash. This is how you’d brush your teeth anyway, so you’re not taking on a major lifestyle change here.
Now that you have a better understanding of what bridges are and how they work, if you feel they may be a good option for you, contact Cornelius Dental Clinic at (971) 317-9323.