Losing teeth can significantly impact not only how your smile looks but also its ability to perform everyday functions like eating and speaking. A dental bridge from our Ocala, FL, dentist offers a reliable solution, helping to enhance your overall oral health by filling in gaps, supporting proper bite alignment, and boosting your confidence. No matter why you’re considering a dental bridge, understanding the benefits and process can help you make an informed decision.
Here’s what you need to know about the transformative potential of dental bridges.
An Overview of Dental Bridges
Appropriately named, a literally “bridges the gap” left by one or more missing teeth. It is a fixed, or permanent, solution that replaces lost teeth and gives you a beautifully natural smile.
Traditional dental bridges consist of two or more porcelain crowns with a false tooth in between. The crowns are placed over anchoring teeth on either side of the gap, also known as “abutment teeth”.
Bridges can also be supported by dental implants if natural teeth are not present.
When & Why Dental Bridges Are Necessary
Every patient is different. Dr. Pruitt will need to examine your entire mouth to determine what will work best for you. We may even find that other restorative solutions like dental implants are the more appropriate choice.
It’s not uncommon for dental bridges to be recommended for:
- Severe tooth decay
- Oral trauma or injury to the mouth
- Periodontal disease
- Medical issues that prohibit the placement of dental implants
- Older age
What Happens When Getting a Dental Bridge?
First, Dr. Pruitt will start by preparing the adjacent, or abutment, teeth that will help support the bridge. The teeth will be reshaped and recontoured enough to allow for crown placement. Once this stage is complete, impressions of the teeth can be made.
We’ll then use these impressions to fabricate the bridge, crowns, and false tooth that will rest in between. While the bridge is being constructed, we will give you a temporary bridge to wear so exposed teeth and gums are properly protected.
Dr. Pruitt will remove the temporary bridge and place the permanent version once all components are ready. Finally, he’ll make sure your bite and the fit of the bridge are correct. If anything feels off, please let us know and we will make alterations as needed.
Positive Impacts of a Dental Bridge
There are many advantages to the dental bridge procedure. The most obvious benefit is that bridges can help improve the appearance of your smile. This alone can provide a noticeable confidence boost and make it all worth it.
Dental bridges can also:
- Restore your ability to talk and chew food
- Help maintain the natural shape of your face
- Improve your speech or pronunciation
- Prevent your remaining teeth from shifting into undesirable positions
- Re-adjust your bite to properly distribute the force when you chew
How You Can Maintain Your Bridge
Dental bridges need to be taken care of if you want to ensure your mouth remains healthy. You will have to be extra diligent about practicing oral hygiene habits after the is placed.
For example, the area where the fake tooth rests on the gums is difficult to clean and can result in plaque buildup. To combat this, rinse with mouthwash often, brush twice a day, and floss daily underneath the bridge. You may also find that you need floss threaders or a water flosser to accurately reach areas underneath and in between.
Both at-home oral hygiene habits and visiting our Ocala, FL, dental office for teeth cleanings every 6 months will reduce inflammation and prevent cavities from occurring at the edge of the bridge.
Ask Dr. Pruitt About Tooth Replacement
If you think a dental bridge could be the right option for you, our dentist in Ocala, FL, is here to discuss your specific needs and start your journey toward a healthier, more beautiful smile. Call Pruitt Dentistry today at (352) 732-3985 to request an appointment.
