Missing Teeth? Bridges Can Help!

If you are feeling self-conscious about a missing tooth or teeth, then a bridge may be for you. Ignoring missing teeth can leave you with an increased risk of tooth decay. It may even make chewing and speaking difficult for you. Our dentists at Willow Park Dental are trained at creating customized bridges for missing teeth. The three kinds of dental bridges are:

• Traditional bridges are made from porcelain or ceramic material and are the most common type of bridge dentists use. Two crowns are placed on both sides of the missing tooth securely hold on to the replacement tooth also known as a pontic. They are referred to as abutments. Your dentist will provide you with a local anesthetic to painfully remove the enamel from the teeth.
• Cantilever bridges are similar to a traditional bridge but are only used with one abutment. Cantilever bridges are used when only one tooth is available next to the missing tooth. The pontic is only held in place on one side. Therefore it may loosen over time because it is not as secure. Cantilever bridges are not used for teeth that are exposed to more pressure from chewing such as those in the back of your mouth.
• Resin-bonded bridges are different since they do not use crowns to support the pontic. A metal foundation is used to supported on the teeth next to the pontic. As with cantilever bridges, resin-bonded bridges are not used to support teeth in the back of your mouth.

When you come into Willow Park Dental for your appointment, your bridge restoration may take up to a week to complete. With proper dental hygiene on your part, your bridge can hold up to ten years. Call us today to schedule your appointment!