When Your Dentist May Recommend a Dental Bridge

Your dentist may recommend a dental bridge if your case needs it. Every patient has a different set of needs. Proper assessment allows the dentist to suggest the right dental replacement. Here are the details on when a dental bridge may become your dentist’s recommendation.

When one consumes tobacco

Dentists often encourage their patients to stop consuming tobacco. Following this advice can help patients achieve better oral and general health. Studies show that this habit impairs blood oxygenation and circulation. This will not be good when one is healing after getting dental implants.

A patient who smokes all the time will not have the ideal healing capabilities for implant surgery. The dentist will then recommend a traditional dental bridge. This tooth replacement will not need surgery. The dentist will just prepare the abutment teeth for the dental crown support. These restorations can last for a long time with proper care and maintenance.

When one has gum disease

The gums need to be in top shape for invasive tooth replacement procedures like implant surgery. Gum disease weakens the gums. That is why the dentist will suggest a dental bridge. Even severe gum disease is less likely to deteriorate this restoration.

When the patient does not want extensive surgery and recovery time

Dental implants need incisions, drilling, and stitching to attach the titanium rods to the jawbone. The process will be over after months of healing and many dental visits. Many busy individuals cannot or choose not to go through the grueling stages of getting implants. That is why a dentist will suggest a dental bridge.

Bridges do not need invasive procedures to install the dental crowns. The bridge of synthetic teeth will fill the dental space. It will not take months to finish this treatment. The patient can then enjoy having a new smile without going through pain, swelling, and drastic diet changes.

The process

A dental bridge can bring back an individual’s ability to eat and speak without awkwardness or pain. The treatment starts with a consultation. Here, the dentist will perform a complete dental examination. Ordering X-rays can determine if the patient can have more than the traditional dental bridge. The condition of the adjacent natural teeth will decide the type of dental bridge the patient must have.

Preparing the abutment teeth will follow. A traditional dental bridge will need a ground-down enamel layer. This will provide enough space for the dental crown. The dentist will take impressions of the prepared teeth so that the lab can create custom-fit crowns. The patient will wear temporary crowns and bridge until the permanent ones are ready.

The second visit will involve fitting the permanent dental crowns and bridge. Removing the temporary crowns will come first. Once the permanent crowns fit well, the dentist will cement the crowns to the treated teeth. A curing light will harden the cement and fix the cap in place. The patient will leave the clinic with a renewed smile, as well as an improved ability to eat and speak.