A Dental Bridge Can Restore Your Beautiful Smile
Dental bridges restore dental function and aesthetics for patients missing one or more teeth in a row. Both traditional and implant-supported bridges are available at our Fairfax, VA, practice. Dr. Charles D. Kirksey, Dr. Milan Simanek, Dr. Touraj Kamali, and the rest of our team are skilled in placing both types of bridges, so you can feel confident your smile will be healthy and beautiful no matter which option you choose. In addition, to ensure patients experience minimal discomfort during this process, we offer sedation options.
Candidates for Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a dental prosthetic that quite literally bridges the gap left by lost or extracted teeth. A traditional bridge consists of two dental crowns, which fit over the teeth adjacent to the gap, connected by one or more artificial teeth. An implant-supported bridge is similar, however, the crowns fit over two dental implants placed in the gap rather than affecting the remaining teeth.
A dental bridge is a dental prosthetic that quite literally bridges the gap left by lost or extracted teeth.
In general, if you are missing one to two teeth or more in a row, you should consider a dental bridge. The gap in your smile affects more than just your appearance. You will have reduced dental function, meaning fewer dietary options and you may struggle with speaking properly. Additionally, your remaining teeth may begin to shift out of place, leading to misalignment. Over time, the bone in that area will also deteriorate, which can lead to widespread tooth loss, among other complications.
A traditional dental bridge is supported by crowns placed over the teeth on either side of the gap in your smile.
Understanding Treatment Benefits
By replacing your missing teeth with a dental bridge, you can preserve your dental function and improve your ability to eat and speak properly. A dental bridge can also improve your appearance and could give you a significant boost in confidence. An implant-supported bridge offers additional benefits, as it will preserve your bone health and it does not require any alteration of your surrounding healthy teeth.
Placing Your Dental Bridge
Prior to placing a dental bridge, your doctor will meet with you to perform a thorough examination. In order to qualify for a traditional bridge, the two adjacent teeth must be free from decay and you must be free of gum disease. If you meet this qualification, we can schedule your dental bridge appointments. Otherwise, we can first provide appropriate treatment
During your first appointment, we will administer a local anesthetic and sedative, if needed, to minimize your discomfort. Then, the doctor will gently reshape the teeth that will support the crowns. After these teeth have been properly modified, we will take impressions of your teeth and gums. We will send these impressions to a dental lab for the creation of your custom bridge.
Since this process usually takes two weeks, we will place temporary crowns or a provisional bridge to protect your teeth during this time. Once your custom bridge is ready, the doctor will remove the temporary crowns and cement the final restoration in place.
Find Out Which Type of Bridge is Right for You
If you have a gap in your smile from missing teeth, a dental bridge can restore your oral health and confidence. Contact Fairfax Dental online or call (703) 385-0303 to discuss your dental bridge options.
