A dental bridge is a prosthetic tooth used to fill a gap in your smile.
It replaces the crown, which is the visible portion of the tooth above the gum line. Dental bridges look very natural so no one will be able to tell you are missing any natural teeth.
Why might I need a dental bridge?
A dental bridge can be used to replace a tooth that had to be removed because of an abscess, decay or trauma. It can replace a knocked-out tooth or even fill gaps in your smile caused by teeth that never erupted.
How many appointments will I need?
You usually need two appointments for a bridge. During the first appointment the dentist contours the teeth on both sides of the gap and takes an impression of your mouth. You will be fitted with a temporary bridge to protect your anchor teeth from sensitivity until your customised bridge is ready.
At your second appointment, your dentist removes your temporary bridge and then cements the permanent bridge in place.
How do I care for my dental bridge?
- Brush around the bridge just like natural teeth twice a day for at least two minutes.
- Floss between the bridge and your gums.
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria in the tissues surrounding the bridge.
- Avoid eating crunchy or chewy foods because this places strain on the teeth supporting the bridge.
- Visit our practice for regular check-ups to ensure that any issues with your bridge, such as gum disease, are detected and addressed early.
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