A gap created by a missing tooth (or multiple teeth) can cause an array of oral health problems, including a painful change in your bite due to your teeth shifting. To fill the gap left by a missing tooth, our team at Atlanta Smiles can insert a dental bridge.
A dental bridge is a false tooth that is anchored in place by the surrounding teeth. Typically a porcelain crown is placed over the surrounding teeth, and the false tooth, known as a pontic, is fused between them.
Types of dental bridges
There are three types of dental bridges that are commonly used today
1. Traditional fixed bridge – The most common type of dental bridge. As mentioned above, porcelain crowns are placed over the surrounding teeth and used as anchors to hold the false tooth in place. The material of the false tooth is typically made of porcelain fused to metal or ceramics.
2. Cantilever bridge – In cases where teeth only remain on one side of a gap, a cantilever bridge is required. Cantilever bridges are commonly used in areas of your mouth that don’t require as much intense chewing, such as your front teeth.
3. Resin-bonded bridge – Also used in areas of your mouth that endure less chewing stress, a resin-bonded bridge holds a plastic false tooth in place with the use of metal bands that are bonded to the surrounding teeth with resin.
How it's done
At least two visits are required for the placement of a dental bridge. During the first visit, Dr. Stan Eisenberg or Dr. Cindy Bogdanoff will prepare the teeth surrounding the gap to be fitted with a crown. Occasionally, your surrounding teeth will need to be filed down so the crown can properly fit.
Then, an impression is taken of your teeth that is sent to our laboratory to prepare the permanent bridge and crown. To end your fist visit, our team at Atlanta Smiles will fit you for a temporary bridge to offer protection until your next scheduled visit.
At the second visit, the temporary bridge is removed and the new bridge received from the laboratory is fitted and adjusted. Multiple visits may be necessary to check and adjust the fit.
Have any questions regarding the crown and bridge procedure? Give us a call! We proudly serve the city of Atlanta for most dental procedures. You can reach us at (252) 651-4419 or by visiting our appointment request page here.