Learning More About Dental Bridge Work at Delgado Dental Group
Hi, I'm Dr. Delgado from Delgado Dental Group, and I'm going to answer some of the most frequent questions we get about dental bridge work.
What is a dental bridge?
There are two answers to that. Some people think a removable partial denture is a dental bridge. That's the old way of thinking, but usually, when we talk about a dental bridge, we're referring to something that's fixed in your mouth, replacing one or several missing teeth in a row.
What is the difference between a bridge and dentures?
The terminology varies from area to area. Nowadays, when most people talk about a bridge, they're referring to something that's fixed that does not come out. A denture or a partial denture, on the other hand, is something removable. You can put it in to replace missing teeth, but you can take it out to clean it. So, it's removable.
What are the pros and cons of dental bridges?
I'm often asked about the pros and cons of a dental bridge. With a fixed bridge, the pro is that you're replacing the missing tooth, preventing the teeth from shifting, and restoring your chewing surfaces. We call it restoring the function of your chewing capability. A con is that with a fixed bridge, you have to prepare the teeth on either side of the space for a crown, which means shaving the teeth down. Sometimes that's the only option. It can be great if those teeth need a cap, but if they have nothing wrong with them, it's a big con, and we might consider a dental implant. For the removable bridge, partial, there aren't many pros except it replaces missing teeth, allowing you to chew a bit better. However, they can be uncomfortable and unattractive due to metal clasps. The only positive aspect of the removable denture is that it's easier to take out and clean. Do you want me to speak about alternatives to dental bridges?
Are there any alternatives to dental bridges?
Probably the best alternative is a dental implant, which involves placing a screw into your jaw where your missing tooth is and then putting a tooth on top. It restores your chewing and all the functions of your mouth without affecting your other teeth.
What is a cantilever dental bridge?
Sometimes people ask me what a cantilever bridge is. A normal bridge involves having a tooth, a gap, and another tooth. The fixed bridge spans from tooth to tooth, bridging the missing space. Sometimes the space is in front of a couple of teeth, and you can have two teeth together, hooking them and hanging the fake tooth off, making it a cantilever.
Can I have a dental bridge if I have gum disease?
The answer is yes and no. You can if you're able to maintain your gum disease and it's not worsening. You must understand that with a bridge, because it's two teeth fixed together, keeping it clean is harder. You need to be very diligent about keeping the bridge clean, or it could worsen your gum disease.
Is dental bridge work painful?
People often ask if dental work is painful. Nobody wants needles and drills in their mouth. We do our best to make it comfortable. We have to numb you up and do some shaving of your teeth, but for most people, it's a fairly painless experience. However, everyone has a different reaction. If you're more sensitive, it might hurt more. If you're tougher, it won't.
What does the dental bridge placement procedure involve?
First, we numb you up. We take a mold of your mouth to make a temporary bridge. We prepare your teeth by shaving them down into smaller teeth. We take another mold, send it to a laboratory where they make the bridge, and then we provide a temporary bridge until your follow-up visit, usually two or three weeks later, when we glue in your brand-new custom-made bridge.
How long does a dental bridge last?
It's hard to answer, as it depends. It could last five years or up to 20 years. The national average is around 12 to 14 years. It partly depends on how well you take care of it and maintain it. Avoid chewing on things like ice or nails. I always tell people, what God gave you doesn't last forever, so don't expect what I'm making for you to last forever.
How should I care for my dental bridge?
The biggest thing you can do to maintain the longevity of your bridge is to brush and floss regularly and be mindful of habits like ice chewing or teeth grinding. Avoid chewing ice, and if you have a grinding habit, wear a night guard when sleeping.
If you're interested in a dental bridge, call us today at Delgado Dental Group at (209) 474-8888, and we'll take care of your dental bridge needs.