Understanding Dental Bridges and Their Importance

Imagine a bridge spanning a gap, providing a safe and reliable passage. That’s precisely what a dental bridge does for your smile! It’s a custom-crafted restoration that bridges the space and restores your beautiful, healthy smile to one from missing teeth, to a complete and brilliant one.

Dental bridges are composed of two main parts:

Crowns: Crowns act like anchors for your dental bridge, capping the natural teeth on either side of the gap and giving your prosthetic something to attach to and keep it in place.
Pontics: These are the artificial teeth that fill the space, seamlessly blending with your natural teeth and completing your smile again. They are durable and match the shade of your existing teeth!

But dental bridges offer much more than just aesthetics. They play a big part in your oral health and overall well-being:

Confident Smile: A bridge completes your smile, giving you a natural and confident appearance.
Effortless Eating: Enjoy your favorite foods without restriction! Bridges restore your ability to chew properly, making mealtimes more enjoyable and supporting proper digestion.
Clear Speech: Missing teeth can affect your pronunciation. A dental bridge can help you speak clearly and confidently.
Long-Term Oral Health: Bridges prevent your remaining teeth from shifting out of place, maintaining the alignment of your bite and preventing future dental issues. They also help preserve your facial structure and prevent bone loss in the jaw.

The Dental Bridge Procedure with Dr. Dooley

At Scott Dooley Dentistry, we make getting a dental bridge a comfortable and efficient experience. Here’s what you can expect:

Consultation and Planning: Dr. Dooley will examine your teeth and gums, discuss your needs and expectations, and determine if a dental bridge is the right solution for you.
Preparation: We’ll gently reshape the teeth that will support the bridge (abutment teeth) and take impressions to create a custom-made bridge that fits perfectly.
Temporary Bridge: We’ll place a temporary bridge to protect your prepared teeth while your permanent bridge is being crafted in the lab.
Placement: Once your permanent bridge is ready, you’ll return to our Garland office. Dr. Dooley will carefully check the fit and ensure your bite is comfortable before securing the bridge in place.

Caring for Your Dental Bridge

Now that your smile is restored and you’re feeling your best, it’s time to talk about aftercare. Taking care of your dental bridge is as easy as your usual oral health routine with only one extra step:

Brush and Floss Daily: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day, paying special attention to the area around the bridge. The bridge itself can be removed for gentle brushing before fitting it back in place.
Use an Interdental Brush: Clean under the pontic (false tooth) and, if you opted for an implant supported bridge, around the abutment teeth, with an interdental brush to remove plaque and food particles.
Rinse with Mouthwash: Use an antibacterial mouthwash to help keep your mouth clean and fresh, preventing any harmful bacteria from forming in hard-to-reach places and developing cavities or plaque buildup. Feel free to ask us for recommendations!
Regular Checkups: Visit Scott Dooley Dentistry for regular checkups and cleanings so Dr. Dooley can monitor the health of your bridge and address any concerns.

Is a Dental Bridge Right for You?

If you are missing one or more teeth, you may be a good candidate for a dental bridge. To receive a traditional bridge, your adjacent teeth must be healthy enough to uphold a dental crown. If you are considering an implant-supported bridge, we will evaluate your jaw health to make sure you have enough healthy bone volume. To schedule a consultation, call Scott Dooley Dentistry in Garland, TX, today at 972-846-4438.