Dental Bridges in West Melbourne
A conventional dental bridge fills a gap by attaching an artificial tooth to crowns placed on the teeth beside the space.
How a fixed bridge fills a gap
A conventional bridge replaces a missing tooth with a fixed restoration that is cemented in place. The supporting teeth beside the gap, called abutments, are shaped and crowned to hold it. A fixed bridge is not removed at home for cleaning.
What the process involves
Treatment generally takes more than one visit: the supporting teeth are prepared, an impression is taken, a temporary is worn and the finished bridge is later fitted and cemented. The type of bridge appropriate for you is decided after an assessment, and not every bridge design is assumed available.
Benefits and limits
A bridge can restore chewing and keep neighboring teeth from drifting. However, healthy neighbors must be reshaped, and the bridge depends on their health. Cleaning beneath the false tooth takes extra care with floss threaders or similar tools; decay or gum disease in a supporting tooth can compromise the whole bridge.
Alternatives to consider
Implants replace a tooth without involving neighbors, a removable partial denture is another option, and sometimes leaving a space is reasonable. See missing tooth replacement options for a comparison.
Visit by visit
At the first visit the abutment teeth are numbed, shaped and measured, and a temporary bridge protects them while the permanent one is made in a laboratory. At a later visit the temporary is removed and the fit, bite and appearance of the final bridge are checked before it is cemented. Small adjustments are normal.
Cleaning under a bridge
Food and plaque can collect beneath the replacement tooth where ordinary brushing is not enough. Floss threaders, floss designed for bridges or appropriately sized interdental brushes may help. Ask the team to show you a method that fits your bridge. Decay or gum disease around the supporting teeth can shorten its useful life.
Is a bridge a good fit for you?
A bridge is more likely to be suitable when neighboring teeth already need crowns, are healthy enough to support the load, and the gap is short. It is less suitable if the supporting teeth are weak or gum disease is active. Dr. Bailey will explain what your teeth can support, and which designs are appropriate in your case.
Common questions
How long does a bridge last?
It varies with the health of supporting teeth, home care and bite. It may need replacement eventually.
Can I eat normally with a bridge?
Generally yes, after the final fit, though very hard foods are best avoided.
Is a bridge better than an implant?
Neither is better for everyone. It depends on your teeth, gums, bone, health and preferences.
Will I know the cost before treatment?
Dr. Bailey discusses your options and gives expected treatment costs in writing before care begins. Questions about cost are welcome at any point.
Does a bridge feel like a natural tooth?
A bridge is fixed in place, but a new shape can take time to get used to. Tell us if your bite feels high, chewing hurts or an edge irritates your tongue rather than trying to tolerate it.
Related care
Dr. John T. Bailey, DMD · West Melbourne Dentist · 917 South Wickham Road, West Melbourne, FL 32904.
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General dental education, not a diagnosis. Treatment recommendations depend on an individual examination.
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