General Dentist Airdrie
Dental Bridge Procedure

Dental bridge is an option for restoring missing teeth. If you have one or more missing teeth, you will probably notice a difference in speaking and chewing. Gaps in your mouth can cause a number of adverse effects, including shifting of your teeth, a change in bite or occlusion, speech impediments, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), and greater risk for gum disease and tooth decay.

A bridge comprises a prosthetic tooth bonded between 2 crowns that are fitted on your natural teeth on either side of the gap, sort of like a bridge for teeth. The artificial tooth is firmly anchored to your teeth or dental implants on each side of the gap. This kind of restoration is permanent, which means that it cannot be removed.

Treatment planning for dental bridges

At Bayside Dental & Orthodontics, we handle dental cases for patients from Airdrie Alberta and the surrounding areas. When you visit us for a consultation, we’ll determine whether a bridge is the best restoration option for you, and advise you on the different material options for fabricating the tooth replacement.

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a material to use in bridges for teeth, including the position in your mouth where the bridge will be placed, extent of wear of adjacent teeth owing to clenching or grinding, the conditions of your insurance coverage, and many more that may arise during the consultation. Bridges are made from porcelain, gold, alloys, or a combination of any of these materials.

Dental bridge procedure

If we determine that you’re a suitable candidate for bridges, then we’ll:

Step 1:

File down the two healthy teeth on either side of the gap to prepare them for the bridge. In the event that your teeth are in a poor state, or you don’t have enough teeth to anchor the bridge, we may need to surgically place implants that will support the bridge in place.

Step 2:

Take impressions of your teeth that will be used to make a model that will be used to customise your bridge – the artificial tooth and crowns.

Step 3:

Before the bridge fabrication process is complete, we will place a temporary dental bridge to protect the site.

Step 4:

On your second visit, we’ll remove the temporary bridge and place your customised bridge in its place. The crowns will be bonded to the two healthy teeth (or implants) for a secure fit.

Caring for your bridge

A properly installed and cared for bridge can last a lifetime. However, it can come loose or even fall out. Like your natural teeth, proper oral hygiene, which includes brushing your teeth after meals and losing every day can ensure the longevity of your bridge.

Gum and dental disease can weaken the teeth or bone supporting a bridge, causing it to fail. So, use a fluoride based toothpaste when brushing and a floss threader when flossing under and around your new tooth replacement. We will also schedule regular visits for professional cleaning and checkups to ensure that your mouth stays healthy.