Dental Bridges Specialist

What are dental bridges?

If you’ve lost teeth due to trauma, decay or extraction, a dental bridge can fill the gap in your smile and prevent your surrounding teeth from shifting. 

A bridge is a dental restoration that features two crowns and an artificial tooth. The artificial tooth fills the gap in your smile and the crowns secure the bridge in place.

Why would I need a dental bridge?

If you lose a permanent tooth, it might not seem like that big of a deal, but without treatment, it can have major consequences. For example, your nearby teeth might move into the empty space. Over time, that increases your risk of more serious issues, like bite problems, chewing difficulties, and pain caused by the excess stress on your teeth and jaw.

A dental bridge restores your smile to its near-original condition and reduces the risk of these complications.

What does getting a dental bridge involve?

At Lakeside Family Dental, getting a dental bridge takes two visits.

First dental bridge visit

During the first visit, your Lakeside Family Dental provider conducts an oral exam and reviews your dental records. They also take a series of X-rays to assess the alignment of your teeth and the health of your jaw.

If you’re a candidate for a bridge, your provider administers a local anesthetic and prepares the teeth on either side of the gap in your smile. To do that, they remove a thin layer of enamel from the top and sides of each tooth.

Then, your provider takes impressions of your teeth and sends them to a lab that manufactures a custom dental bridge.

Second dental bridge visit

When the lab completes your custom dental bridge, you return to Lakeside Family Dental. Your dentist lines up the bridge with the gap in your smile and bonds it in place.

How long do dental bridges last?

Dental bridges last an average of 5-7* years, but it’s possible to extend their use by practicing good oral hygiene and visiting Lakeside Family Dental at least twice a year. Routine oral exams and professional teeth cleaning can help keep your bridge in optimal condition.

To see if you’re a candidate for a dental bridge, make an appointment at Lakeside Family Dental by calling the office or booking online today.

*Individual results may vary.