Bridges

What are bridges?

A bridge is a prosthetic dental device that replaces a missing tooth or several adjacent missing teeth. Dental bridges include the false teeth and are either anchored in place using dental crowns on the natural teeth on either side of the gap or with dental implants.

Dental bridges look just like natural teeth and can restore your smile as well as your ability to talk and chew correctly.

How are bridges installed?

Dr. Saxena uses different techniques to install and anchor bridges depending on the type of bridge you choose.

If your bridge is secured with dental implants, she places titanium posts in your jaw, and you'll wait for several months while the posts bond with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. Once your healing process is complete, she fits you for the bridge, which is custom-made to fit your mouth precisely and match your remaining natural teeth. Then when your bridge is ready, she attaches it to your implant posts.

Alternatively, if you choose a crown-secured bridge, she prepares the teeth on either side of the gap for crowns by carefully removing a thin layer of tooth enamel to create room for the crowns to fit securely over your teeth and fit against your other teeth naturally.

Once your teeth are prepared, she takes impressions of your teeth and gap which are used to custom-make your bridge by technicians in a dental lab. When your bridge is ready, Dr. Saxena places it in your mouth, bonding the crowns to the prepared teeth.

Who is a good candidate for a bridge?

A dental bridge is a good option if you’re missing a tooth or a few adjacent teeth but have overall good dental health. Your teeth and jaw need to be strong enough to support the bridge. Dr. Saxena provides a comprehensive exam and consultation to determine the best prosthetic option to replace your teeth.

How should I take care of my dental bridge?

Your bridge is permanently fixed in your mouth, so you take care of it by brushing and flossing just like with your natural teeth. You’ll also need to attend routine dental checkups and cleaning appointments with Dr. Saxena and her team so they can monitor your dental health and take care of your remaining natural teeth.

If you’re missing a tooth or teeth and want to find out if a bridge is right for you, call or make an appointment online today.