When you lose a tooth due to decay or breakage for any reason, it is important to have your tooth replaced. Not only is each tooth an important part of a full, healthy smile; you also need every one of your teeth in order to preserve the contours of your face, to digest food properly, to facilitate your speech, and to protect your other teeth from drifting out of their proper places. There are two options that most dentists recommend to patients with one or more missing teeth: dental implants (a replacement tooth secured to a post implanted in the jawbone) and bridges. Every patient should discuss the pros and cons of each treatment with his or her dentist, but in this blog post, we will be outlining the details of bridge work King of Prussia patients should consider.
First of all, you may be wondering what a dental bridge is, exactly. As the name suggests, the bridge connects two teeth that have a gap in between, where one or more teeth have been lost. There are two components to a dental bridge: the crowns placed on the natural teeth on either side of the gap (these are called the abutment teeth), and the pontic, or false tooth, usually made from porcelain and/or gold, silver, or other metal alloys. With the abutment teeth acting as anchors for the replacement, the new tooth comfortably bridges the gap, looking like a natural tooth.
There are three types of dental bridges that may be recommended, depending on the number and location of the missing teeth.
- Traditional bridge: As described above, this includes crowns on either side of the gap, which support the false tooth.
- Cantilever bridge: This is used when there are teeth only on one side of the gap. The replacement tooth is supported by crowns on teeth only on one side.
- Maryland bonded bridge: This type of bridge is made of plastic gums and teeth supported by a metal framework, which is bonded to the natural teeth.
The Best Center for Bridge Work King of Prussia Has to Offer
Plymouth Valley Dental Group offers various treatments for patients with missing, broken, stained, or infected teeth, and dental bridges are often the appropriate choice for some of our patients. If you need bridge work in King of Prussia, you deserve a dentist who will take the time to make sure your bridge is designed and placed properly. Our doctors have extensive experience in replacing missing teeth, and they maintain 100% communication with each patient about the proper course of action for each dental issue. When you are looking for the best quality bridge work King of Prussia has to offer, you can feel confident about the level of care you receive at Plymouth Valley Dental, as we walk you through each step of the process:
- First, your abutment teeth are prepared by contouring them so a crown may be placed over them.
- During the first visit, we make impressions of your teeth, so that the dental lab can design the pontic and crowns.
- A temporary bridge will be given to you to protect your reshaped teeth and gums while the bridge is being prepared.
- During your second visit, the temporary bridge will be removed and the permanent bridge will be put into place. Your dentist may first use a temporary cement, which will be worn for a couple of weeks in order to determine if the bridge fits properly.
For more information on the place to go for bridge work King of Prussia can smile about, contact Plymouth Valley Dental Group today. We look forward to discussing your options with you as you seek to replace your missing teeth.
