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Dental Bridges
Anchored by porcelain crowns on adjacent natural teeth or dental implants placed beforehand, dental bridges consist of artificial teeth that fill the gap left by those that have been lost. If needed, our Largo, FL, dentist will put a bridge in place to restore your smile’s functionality and appearance, maintain facial shape, prevent remaining teeth from shifting, and improve your ability to chew and speak.
Here’s what you need to know about the and its associated benefits.
Procedure for Getting a Dental Bridge
Having a dental bridge put in place typically involves several key steps across multiple visits to our Largo, FL, dental office. Each part of the process ensures that you receive a precise fit and a comfortable .
Step 1: Abutment Teeth Prep
The first step involves preparing the abutment teeth (the teeth on either side of the gap). This preparation usually involves reshaping these teeth by removing a portion of enamel to allow room for a crown to be placed over them.
Step 2: Impressions
Once the abutment teeth are prepared, digital impressions of the teeth are made, which serve as a model from which the bridge, crowns, and pontic (false tooth) will be made by a dental lab.
Step 3: Temporary Bridge
While your bridge is being crafted, you’ll receive a temporary bridge to protect the exposed teeth and gums.
Step 4: Fitting Your Permanent Bridge
On your subsequent visit, the temporary bridge will be removed, and your new permanent bridge will be checked and adjusted, as necessary. Multiple visits may be required to check the fit of the framework and bite but this will depend on each individual’s case.
Step 5: Final Cementation
Once a proper fit is confirmed, the bridge is cemented into place.
Dental Bridge Benefits
There are several important advantages to choosing a dental bridge and those include:
- Restored Functionality: Bridges restore your ability to properly chew and speak by replacing missing teeth.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: They help maintain the shape of your face, preventing the sunken appearance that often accompanies tooth loss.
- Even Distribution of Bite Force: By replacing missing teeth, bridges help distribute the forces in your bite more evenly, which helps preserve the natural function and position of your remaining teeth.
- Prevention of Teeth Drifting: They prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position, which can cause further issues in your bite and jaw.
Build Back Your Smile
Don’t let missing teeth affect your quality of life. A dental bridge from our dentist in Largo, FL, is a time-tested solution that effectively restores the function and appearance of your smile after tooth loss. Call or text David W. Piper, DMD Family Dentistry today at (727) 548-7100 to request an appointmentor contact us online. Let us help you regain your confidence with a dental bridge designed just for you!