preparing for unpredictable dental injuries

Posted on: 30 December 2013

In Silverado Ranch, dental bridges are prosthetic devices that can restore your smile. Dental bridges are used to replace one missing tooth or several missing teeth. There are several types of dental bridges that Silverado Ranch dentists can place to replace missing teeth. It's important to understand the various types of dental bridges, how they are placed, and how to take care of them, so you will be able to make a good decision as to whether or not they will work for you. Dental bridges in Silverado Ranch are called bridges due to the fact that they bridge a gap made by a missing tooth or two missing teeth with a new dental crown or crowns. There are several methods used by dentists to place dental bridges. The method used is usually determined on the location of the missing teeth and the condition of the adjacent remaining teeth. The condition of the adjacent teeth is an important aspect in making this decision. You see, if the adjacent teeth are healthy, a bonded bridge may be used. A bonded bridge is a device that uses metal framework. The metal is bonded to the adjacent teeth, with a replacement crown in between to replace the missing tooth. If the adjacent teeth are not healthy but the roots are, the teeth may be contoured into what is called abutments. These abutments will become a base on which the bridge is bonded. These teeth are also restored with dental crowns, with the replacement crown for the missing tooth in between. If the adjacent teeth are not healthy and their roots are not healthy, they may be extracted entirely. Dental implants can then be surgically implanted to provide for abutments for a dental bridge. If there is only one adjacent tooth, a cantilever dental bridge will be used. A cantilever bridge is typically only used in the back of the dental arch, and hardly ever in the front of the dental arch. There are typically two procedures that are involved in placing dental bridges in Silverado Ranch. The first procedure will involve preparing the abutments, whether this means the adjacent teeth with be contoured or extracted. Once the abutments are prepared, an impression of your teeth will be made so the dental bridge can be customized for a perfect fit. After the impression is made, a temporary bridge will be fitted. You will need to wait several weeks or so for your permanent bridge to be made in a laboratory. This period of time will allow your gums to heal if you required dental implants. When your permanent dental bridge is ready, the dentist may choose to apply it permanently or temporarily. Sometimes, it is a good idea to use temporary bonding agents to ensure that the fit is perfect and will not irritate the soft tissue of the gums. This will allow the dentist to be able to remove the dental bridge to make any adjustments in the future. If the dentist does not feel this is necessary, he may apply the dental bridge with a permanent bonding agent. Regardless of the method used, you will be asked to return for a followup visit that will be scheduled several weeks after the placement of your dental bridge. To take care of your dental bridge, you will need to brush and floss the crowns regularly just as you do for your other natural teeth. It's important to get regular professional cleanings. You may want to consider occasional whitening treatments to ensure that your natural teeth and restorative crowns match in color and shade. If you ever notice any tenderness, pain or swelling underneath your dental bridge you'll want to be sure to inform your dentist as soon as possible. Learn more at Silverado Family Dental.