A dental bridge “bridges” the gaps between teeth that are left behind after a person loses a tooth. A bridge consists of at least three parts which include the prosthetic tooth and two dental crowns. Knowing what to expect from dental bridges in Grand Prairie TX is essential for being prepared for the process.
What Can Patients Expect?
There are a few things to keep in mind when an individual is seeking the dentist for dental bridges in Grand Prairie TX. A bridge can fill in the gap left behind after tooth loss, so the bite is restored, along with the individual’s appearance.
The process of putting in a dental bridge takes a few different visits. The first visit involves the preparation of the abutment teeth. The abutment teeth rest on either side of the missing tooth area. These teeth need to be properly prepared before they will fit in precisely with the dental crown. To prepare the teeth, the dentist will first numb the patient. After the patient is numb, the dentist will go to work on carefully shaping the teeth and making them more compact. The dentist may also use fillings to strengthen the teeth.
The dentist will then make impressions of the area. The impression will be made of the missing tooth area and each abutment, so the dental lab will be able to create a perfect bridge to fit precisely in the patient’s mouth. Because it takes a few weeks for the patient’s custom bridge to come back, the dentist will likely put a temporary bridge in place.
What Should Patients Know?
Bridges can last up to fifteen years, as long as they are properly maintained. To avoid bridge failure, individuals need to make sure they are brushing and flossing daily. They also need to ensure they see their dentist as often as recommended, so decay does not set in.
If you are interested in scheduling an initial consultation, contact us. Call the office with any questions you may have or to schedule your initial consultation. They will determine if you are a good candidate for a bridge application.
