The dental bridge procedure is a tooth replacement option. The bridge covers the gap between the teeth using the healthy teeth present on either side, consequently restoring the function and appearance of the teeth. This article outlines what happens during a dental bridge installation.
The first step in the dental bridge procedure is to determine the need for tooth replacement treatment and whether a dental bridge is the best choice. The dentist will examine the area and may take x-rays of the jaw to make the best choice. The dental professional will discuss the possible options with their patients, the type and design of the dental bridge, as well as the advantages and drawbacks of each option.
Most bridges are anchored to the healthy teeth on the sides of the gap, which are called the abutment teeth. To prepare the teeth for the attachment of a dental bridge, it is necessary to shape them. The dentist will administer a local anesthetic to keep the patient comfortable throughout the process.
The first step is to file the abutment teeth into the correct shape for the crowns that come with the bridge. The dentist will take impressions of the shaped teeth and send them to a dental laboratory to fabricate the bridge. The prosthetic will be matched to the color of the existing natural teeth to make it aesthetically appealing.
There is an option of using a dental implant to anchor the bridge, especially if the teeth on the sides of the gap do not have enough strength to support the bridge independently. The dentist may provide a temporary bridge, which is often made of composite and protects the prepared teeth from damage while the permanent bridge is being made. It will eventually be removed when the final bridge is ready.
The patient will return to the dental office as soon as the permanent bridge is complete and ready for placement. Once again, the dentist will apply a local anesthetic when starting the appointment to keep the patient comfortable.
Before placing the bridge, the temporary one will be removed, and if necessary, the dentist will clean the teeth underneath. Dental cement will then be applied to fix the bridge structure over the abutment teeth. The result will be obvious immediately.
The patient will experience full dental function once the process is complete. The bridge may feel strange in the mouth at first, but this feeling will disappear eventually. The dentist may need to make final minor adjustments to the dental bridge if required.
Aftercare and follow-up appointments are vital in the dental bridge procedure to ensure that patients have a full grasp of what to expect and how to maintain their new dental restoration. The dentist will take the time to explain the workings of the dental bridge, including oral care routine and when to seek dental help. With proper care, a dental bridge can last up to 10 years or more.
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