A dental bridge is an appliance that replaces one or more natural missing teeth. It bridges the space between two teeth. Fixed bridges are cemented onto teeth on either side of the space. Unlike removable partial dentures, fixed bridges cannot be taken out of the mouth by you. If you are missing any teeth and are committed to maintaining good oral hygiene practices, you may be a good candidate for a bridge. If left unfilled, this space can cause the surrounding teeth to drift out of position and can cause teeth and gums to become more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease, leading to further tooth loss. Fixed bridges not only correct an altered bite, improve your chewing ability and speech, but they also safeguard your appearance by preventing the collapse of your facial features that can cause premature wrinkles and age lines.
With a bridge, it is more important than ever to brush, floss, and see your dentist regularly. If you do not control the buildup of food debris and plaque – the sticky film of bacteria formed from food acids – your teeth and gums can become infected, requiring further treatment and resulting in possible loss of the bridge. Your dentist may also recommend using floss threaders that help remove bacteria from hard to reach spaces between the bridge and adjacent teeth and gums.
If you maintain optimal oral hygiene care, you can expect your fixed bridge to last as many as 8-10 years, or even longer.
If you have missing teeth and dental implants are not right for you at this time, dental bridges are an excellent treatment option to consider. At South County Dental Care we tailor your treatment to your specific oral health needs, budget, and aesthetic preferences.
Dr. Osmar M. Morales is the best dentist I have ever been to. He is very conscientious about minimizing pain and discomfort. My temporary crown fit so perfectly, I forgot I had it. The new crown is flawless too! Thanks, Dr. Morales!!
I'm not a patient yet, but my husband is. I had a brief encounter with the dentist and staff yesterday and they could not have been more professional polite helpful and friendly. Such a breath of fresh air! I actually felt like we were people and patience instead of a number looking forward to Long "healthy mouth" relationship with them Michael and Donna Sullivan
South County Dental is the best place I've gone I had 16 teeth removed very little pain and afterwards the doctor checked me out and I still had no pain I would recommend them to anybody