Teeth are interesting because you never realize how much you need them until you lose a couple. Luckily, there are solutions for missing teeth that can make it seem like they were never gone at all. At Hazel Dell Dental Care we offer various dental services to the Vancouver area, including dental bridge work. But what is a dental bridge? And how might you know if you need dental bridge work?
What Is A Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is literally a bridge that spans multiple teeth to fill in a gap of missing teeth by utilizing crowns and false teeth. Luckily, if you are in need of dental bridge work it is fairly obvious and you have probably been warned of the potential need for bridge work at your most previous dental appointment.
The structure of a dental bridge consists of fake porcelain teeth where teeth are missing, with crowns anchoring the porcelain teeth into their location. The teeth that are replacing where the teeth once were are known as the pontics, and the anchoring teeth are known as abutment teeth.
Why Might You Need A Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges can be recommended by a dentist for many reasons, all of which are caused by the loss of teeth — whether they were lost to deterioration or a traumatic event. That being said, aside from the allure of having your toothy smile back, dental bridge work is much more than just a cosmetic procedure.
Dental bridge work can be recommended by your dentist in Vancouver for many reasons. Sure, sometimes the bridge work is cosmetic, but often times dental bridgework is done to restore the patient’s ability to properly chew and speak. Additionally, this procedure can keep other teeth from drifting out of place, and aid in keeping the jaw aligned.
What Is The Process Of Receiving Them?
Dental bridge work is usually a two-step process, requiring two different visits. During the first visit, you can expect the dentist to begin preparing the abutment teeth for the placement of the bridge. Preparation can include the recontouring of the abutment teeth — meaning the removal of some enamel to prepare for its bond to a crown. Often times you will leave this appointment with a temporary bridge to ensure that your abutment teeth are protected.
The second visit will be when the permanent dental bridge will be installed. As the bridge is placed, your dentist in Vancouver will begin to make adjustments ensuring that the bridge will allow your bite and jaw movement to function normally and comfortably. Once it is determined that the bridge fits properly, it is time to cement the bridge into place.
If You Are Missing Teeth, Come to See If A Dental Bridge Is Right For You
If you are looking for a dentist in Vancouver to ask if dental bridgework is right for you, search “Dentist near me” to find us or stop by our Vancouver, Washington office. Dr. Kelstrom has been practicing dentistry in Vancouver since graduating from dental school in 1976, and has recently been voted a 2018 Top Dentist by Portland Monthly — so you can rest easy knowing that you are in good hands.
What are you waiting for? Schedule an appointment today!
