While it is always best to keep your own, natural teeth, things happen and you may find yourself with one or more missing. Luckily, there are a few ways to fix a missing tooth so you can keep your smile, your ability to chew properly, and your facial structure intact. One of the options is to use dental bridges. A dental bridge is comprised of one or more false teeth that are held in place by crowns covering the adjacent natural teeth. They are custom-made to fit into your mouth. Here are a few things to understand about what to expect when you go to the dentist for a bridge.
Preparing the Anchor Teeth
The first thing the dentist needs to do is to get the anchor teeth ready. These are the teeth that will have a crown placed over them. They will be filed down to make room for the crown so that they do not stick up or are thicker than your teeth, which would be uncomfortable.
Take the Mold
Once your anchor teeth are ready, a mold needs to be created. The mold will be of the whole jaw so everything will fit in as naturally as possible. It allows the crowns and the false teeth to be made just for your mouth. Once the mod is made, the dentist will create a temporary bridge to protect the anchor teeth and keep the gaps exact for the permanent bridge.
Fit the Permanent Bridge
The mold for your bridge will be sent to a dental lab to have the permanent fixture made. Once it comes back to your dentist, you will go in for another appointment. The fixture will be put into your mouth, and you will have the chance to feel it. If there is any pain or discomfort, the dentist can fix this or send it back for adjustments. In addition, the dentist will make sure that the new fixture fits your mouth and keeps your bite in alignment.
You and your dentist will discuss whether a fixed bridge that is cemented into your mouth or a removable one is better for you. You may also decide to go with a removable one for a few weeks and then have it cemented into place. Dental bridges are a good option when you are missing a few teeth. However, it is very important to keep up with good dental hygiene or you will end up needing a full set of dentures.
Up until a year ago, I did my best to keep my teeth and gums clean. But after securing a new job, I began to work late into the night and didn't have the time or energy to brush and floss before I retired to bed. My busy schedule and poor dental hygiene finally affected my teeth and gums. After experiencing severe pain in several of my teeth, I made an appointment with my dentist. My dentist examined my mouth and discovered three large cavities in my molars. After four long weeks, my dentist finally completed my dental work. I learned a very painful lesson during that time. No matter how busy you are, always brush and floss. I started this blog to inform other people about the importance of good dental care. I hope you find the time to read it. Thanks for visiting.