Dental Bridges in Spirit Lake, Iowa 

 

 

Replacing missing teeth can be a big decision, both financially and physically.  Implants are expensive, and removable partial dentures may be uncomfortable and difficult to adjust to.  Fortunately, there is another option.  Dental bridges replace missing teeth quickly and easily.  At Hill Avenue Dental, we offer dental bridges as one of our restorative services.

A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic between two healthy teeth that replaces a missing tooth.  The bridge is fabricated at one of the dental labs we partner with and placed by Dr. Dotson or Dr. Hartzell.  This is done by anchoring the artificial tooth to the surrounding teeth using crowns.  Bridges can be made out of several different materials such as porcelain, gold, or other alloys.  There are practical and aesthetic benefits to a bridge: the ability to eat and speak properly, prevent mobility and shifting of surrounding teeth, maintain face shape, restore natural smile, and boost confidence and self-esteem.

Procedure for a Bridge

 

Normally, a dental bridge is completed in two visits to our office.  The first visit is to prepare the bridge.  The surrounding teeth are shaped in order to make room for the crowns.  These crowns anchor the artificial tooth in place.  A temporary bridge is made and cemented in place in our office while the lab fabricates the prosthetic bridge using a digital scan taken in our office.  This allows the bridge to have a custom fit for your teeth and mouth.

At the second visit, the bridge is fitted and cemented in place.  Follow-up visits may be necessary in order to ensure the bridge fits properly and is not causing other problems in your mouth.  At first, the bridge may feel foreign, but with time, the bridge will feel and function like a natural tooth.  Good, consistent oral hygiene is imperative to keep the bridge healthy and functioning correctly.  Failure to maintain oral hygiene may result in decay under the bridge or bridge failure.