The Procedure for Getting Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are fixed dental restorations designed to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. These natural teeth, known as abutments, support the bridge, holding the pontics in place. At Oakland Smile Dental, dental bridges not only restore the functionality of chewing and speaking but also enhance the smile's appearance by filling gaps and preventing neighboring teeth from shifting. They are a durable and time-tested solution for tooth replacement, providing a fixed and convenient alternative to removable dentures. 

The Procedure for Dental Bridges 

The first step is to schedule an initial consultation with a dentist. During this appointment, the dentist in Oakland, CA, will assess the patient's oral health, take X-rays to evaluate the teeth and bone structure, and discuss the various options for dental bridges. If traditional dental bridges are chosen, the next step is to prepare the abutment teeth. These are the natural teeth on either side of the gap where the bridge will be placed. The dentist will remove a portion of the enamel from the abutment teeth to make room for the crowns placed over them. This step is done under local anesthesia to ensure the patient's comfort. 

After preparing the abutment teeth, the dentist will take impressions of the teeth. These impressions serve as a model for creating the dental bridge, ensuring it fits accurately and matches the patient's bite. While the permanent bridge is being fabricated in a dental laboratory, the dentist may place a temporary bridge to protect the exposed abutment teeth and maintain the patient's smile and bite. 

The dental laboratory uses the impressions to craft the custom bridge. This process can take a couple of weeks, during which the patient continues to use the temporary bridge. Once the permanent bridge is ready, the patient returns to the dental office for the fitting. The dentist will check the fit and make necessary adjustments to align correctly with the bite. Once the fit is perfect, the permanent bridge is cemented or bonded into place. The dentist ensures the bridge is secure and the abutment crowns fit snugly over the prepared teeth. 

The Benefits of Dental Bridges 

• Dental bridges replace missing teeth, restoring the ability to chew and speak easily. 
• Dental bridges in Oakland, CA, replace missing teeth, restoring the ability to chew and speak easily. 
• Bridges prevent adjacent teeth from shifting into the gap, maintaining proper tooth alignment. 
• Bridges can be tailored to match the color, shape, and size of the patient's natural teeth. 
• With proper care and maintenance, dental bridges can last for many years, providing a durable tooth replacement solution. 

Dental bridges are time-tested and effective for replacing missing teeth, offering functional, aesthetic, and oral health benefits. To learn more about dental bridges, visit Oakland Smile Dental at 8105 Edgewater Dr., Suite 124, Oakland, CA 94621, or call (510) 924-7310.