What are they and why are the needed?

A bridge is permanently fixed dental appliance which serves to replace one or more missing teeth in your mouth. Bridges work by connecting two or more existing teeth on either side of a space (commonly known as abutments) in your mouth together. Essentially, bridges are crowns on two or more teeth that you have in your mouth connected together with a false tooth (commonly known as a pontic). The bridge cannot be taken out of your mouth as it is cemented permanently. Bridges are important when missing teeth in your mouth in order to prevent teeth next to the space from tipping and drifting into the space which causes problems with your bite, chewing efficiency and speech. The tooth opposing the missing tooth or teeth can often overerupt into the space as well thereby causing problems in the opposite are of the mouth as well.

What is involved in the procedure?

The preparation and placement of a bridge is a two-appointment procedure. At the first appointment the abutment teeth are prepared in order to allow for the proper fitting of the abutments of the bridge over the teeth. At the end of this first appointment an impression or mould is taken of the teeth and gums, the adjacent teeth and the opposing teeth and sent to a commercial laboratory for the fabrication of the bridge. The fabrication of the bridge at the laboratory usually takes approximately 2 weeks. In the meantime, a temporary bridge is made for you at the first appointment and placed over your tooth. At the second appointment, the temporary bridge is removed and the permanent bridge is cemented into place.

At home care for your bridge?

It is vital for the longevity of the bridge and for the overall health of your mouth that at home care is of the utmost importance when you have a bridge in your mouth. Proper brushing and flossing including the use of a floss threader under the bridge each day and regular continuing care visits to Dhuga Dental Centre are essential to maintain your bridge and oral health effectively. Bridges are commonly expected to last between 10 and 15 years.