Dental bridges, how we close gaps in your smile
Dental bridges perfectly complement Intentional Smiles and its array of carefully-selected treatments to maintain, restore, and sustain the oral health of individuals throughout the Edmond and greater Oklahoma City area. After all, bridges present a time-tested way to replace missing teeth. This procedure is also considered to be a cost-effective alternative to replacement teeth that are supported by dental implants. It is also an appropriate alternative for individuals who do not want to undergo surgical procedures to position implants in the jawbone.
When Dr. Taylor Barton set out to build this practice, he strove to create plenty of options for each patient to address every concern. So, he looks forward to providing those needing tooth replacement with information about the advantages and disadvantages of each option – be it bridges, partials, full dentures, or implants. That way, you can make an educated decision about your treatment that is in the best interests of your oral health and overall well-being.
Understanding this option helps to know where the “bridge” got its name in the first place. Visualize those bridges that take you from point “a” to point “b.” A basic bridge structure incorporates a deck supported by two abutment structures. Similarly, the standard dental bridge is made up of three pieces, including:
- A pontic, or the replacement tooth
- An abutment, or the crowned tooth on one side of the pontic
- Another abutment, or the crowned tooth on the other side of the pontic
Neighboring abutments support at least one new tooth (pontic). These adjacent teeth hold up the pontic. The abutments must be crowned to “anchor” or stabilize these teeth properly. All crowns require the reduction and reshaping of the natural tooth. This step is necessary for the crown to fit on top of the tooth.
Dr. Barton generally fills the gaps in your smile by securing the pontic with its neighboring crowns to the adjacent anchor teeth. As a “fixed” (non-removable) option, you eat sticky or hard foods confidently without fear of the prosthetic being dislodged or damaged.
Unlike modern methods that get their stability from implants placed in the underlying bone, extensive procedures to access underlying bone are not required with bridges. Preparation is limited mainly to removing some natural tooth structure from the neighboring teeth to accommodate the crown. However, Dr. Barton is happy to discuss implant-supported bridges, crowns, partials, and full dentures. With proper care, conventional dental bridges can last for many years as long as you maintain consistent oral care at home and professional care at our office in Edmond, OK.
Schedule an appointment today! Call Intentional Smiles at (405) 348-2266.
Dental Bridges
A bridge is a non-surgical way to replace one or many teeth. A bridge uses the adjacent teeth as anchors to support the missing tooth or teeth. With today’s dental advancements, a bridge can be fabricated in a fairly short period of time, using a metal or nonmetal foundation. Don’t let that missing tooth affect the way you speak, eat, and smile. Bridges yield immediate results that last a lifetime. Ask your dentist what type of bridge may be right for you.