Whether you have one missing tooth or many, it’s important to fix the gaps before they impact the surrounding teeth. Otherwise, your remaining teeth could shift, get loose, and even fall out. Thankfully, with help from a cosmetic dentist in Owensboro, KY, you can possibly replace your missing teeth with dental bridges.
What are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge features one or more false teeth, called a pontic, with a crown, winged frame, or implant on one or both sides. Depending on your dental health needs, your dentist can choose between the four following types of dental bridges.
- Traditional: Features two crowns on the abutment teeth on either side of the pontic
- Cantilever: Only has one crown attached to a single side of the false teeth
- Maryland: Has two winged attachment points made of metal or porcelain
- Implant-Supported: Uses implants on one or both sides to hold the false teeth in place
Your dentist will help you select from these options by letting you know which ones would be the most stable and comfortable.
How to Tell If You’re a Good Candidate
Your dentist will determine if you’re a good candidate for dental bridges in Owensboro, KY, by performing a full exam.
During the exam, they will look at your overall oral and physical health plus:
- Total number of missing teeth and their locations
- Condition of the remaining teeth, especially ones adjacent to the gap
- Structure and health of your jawbone beneath the missing teeth
Your commitment to good oral hygiene will also come into play in deciding if dental bridges are right for you. Your dentist will explore your preferences and share all the options with you, so you can make the best dental care decision for your needs.
What to Expect When Getting Dental Bridges
If you decide to go with dental bridges to replace your missing teeth, you can expect to come to several appointments to get the work done. The process differs for the dental bridges that attach to the teeth with crowns, wings, and implants.
No matter which bridge type you select, your dentist will take manual impressions of your teeth or perform a digital scan. The lab can then use those images to create your bridge to match your existing teeth.
If you’re getting dental bridges that attach to the surrounding teeth with crowns, your dentist will remove a portion of their enamel and dentin. Then, they will secure a temporary bridge over the prepared teeth to protect them until your next appointment. Once your dental bridge arrives at the office, you’ll need to come back in to have it cemented in place.
If you go with the Maryland dental bridge, your dentist only has to etch the back of your teeth where the wings will mount. Then, they can perform a test fit and bond the wings on the dental bridge using resin.
Implant-supported bridges take the longest to put in since the implants are surgically placed in the gums. It can take even longer if you need your jawbone built up before putting in the implants. Once the implants are in place, you’ll need to let your mouth heal before your dentist can finish putting in the dental bridge.
How to Get Dental Bridges in Owensboro, KY
If you want to replace your missing teeth with dental bridges, schedule a visit to our Owensboro, KY, dental office with a call to 270-274-3645. During your visit, your dentist will perform a full exam to help you find the best cosmetic dentistry treatments for your needs. Then, you can work together to create a full treatment plan and find a convenient time to complete your selected procedures.
