knowledge for peace of mind
Getting a Dental Bridge in Chandler, Arizona
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a piece of dental equipment used to replace missing teeth. As the name suggests, a dental bridge uses two anchor points (typically other teeth) in order to bridge the gap between two teeth. The prosthetic teeth on a dental bridge may be made of porcelain, gold, silver, or a combination of porcelain and metal(s).
Why Might You Need a Dental Bridge?
If you are missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge is one option to restore your smile. Dental bridges allow you to regain your ability to speak, eat, and maintain the position of your teeth by adding prosthetic teeth to fill in the affected area.
If you are missing teeth and would like to:
- regain confidence in smiling
- improve eating
- improve speaking
- maintain teeth in correct place
- reestablish the proper balance of chewing forces
What to Expect During a Dental Bridge Procedure?
There are a number of steps that are necessary to create a high-quality dental bridge, and a second appointment is necessary to ensure proper fit and create a permanent placement.
At your First visit
Xray and Exam Xrays and an examination are required for a dental bridge, so that the doctor can determine what type of dental bridge that is required, and a plan can be put in place for the best way to proceed.
Local Anesthetic A local anesthetic is usually applied to numb the teeth and gums so that any discomfort is minimized. Typically, this wears off after a few hours.
Cleaning and Preparation The teeth directly adjacent to where the bridge will be placed need to be cleaned and prepared. The dentist will also perform any necessary extractions at this time, should there be any affected tooth structure that needs to be removed.
Impression Once your teeth are properly prepared, an impression will be taken of the teeth and mouth. This is sent to a professional laboratory, where a custom made bridge will be fabricated.
Temporary Dental Bridge A temporary bridge will be fabricated and put in place during the appointment, to hold the space for the permanent bridge, as well as to cover the tooth structure that has been prepared. A temporary bridge may look and feel like real teeth, but they are not as strong as the permanent bridge that will be built in the lab. It is important to care for a temporary bridge properly until the next appointment, when a permanent bridge will be placed.
keeping your temporary bridge safe
After your first visit, but before your permanent bridge is in place, you’ll be able to eat and drink but with some precautions in place. Here is some guidance to keep your procedure moving well.
- We recommend chewing on the opposite side of the mouth while wearing a temporary bridge.
- Refrain from eating anything sticky.
- It’s important to floss your temporary bridge by advancing the floss between the teeth as normal but instead of pulling the floss out the same way it went in, bite down and pull the floss out from the side. This will reduce the chances of you inadvertently pulling off your temporary bridge while flossing.
- Certain areas of your bridge will need to be flosed with a bridge threader. We will provide a sample pack and show you how to properly use them during your visit.
If your temporary bridge IS dislodged prior to your return to the office for placement of the permanent bridge, please call our office so we can replace it for you.
two weeks later–your second visit
During the second visit, the temporary bridge will be removed so that the permanent bridge can be placed, fitted, and adjusted. The placement and fit of the bridge will be verified by another set of Xrays. After the fit is properly adjusted, the permanent bridge will be permanently cemented into place. The cement dries before the appointment is over, so the patient doesn’t have to worry about dislodging or damaging the bridge after they leave.
Distraction Methods – Therapeutic interventions – Pain management
Why Does a Dental Bridge Require More Than One Appointment?
Dental bridges require at least two appointments because an impression must be made of the patient’s mouth after it is properly prepared for the bridge, and the permanent bridge is prepared by specialty equipment at an off-site laboratory. Approximately two weeks later, the completed bridge is sent back to the dental office, where it is installed at a second appointment.
after your dental bridge is placed…
To ensure the best outcome for the procedure, it is
important to:
- Practice the same recommended oral hygiene measures as you would with your normal teeth–twice a day brushing with a fluoride toothpaste and good flossing techniques.
- Reduce excessive biting force–like chewing on ice.
- Visit the dentist for cleaning and checkups regularly.
A small percentage of patients will experience minor temperature sensitivity after a bridge. This usually dissipates with time. If it does not, it is important to let the dentist know.
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If you experience biting sensitivity after your appointment and it is not going away, please contact the office.
The Best Experience When Getting a Dental Bridge in Chandler Starts with POM Dental
When you want the best dental studio to get a dental bridge in Chandler, Arizona, POM Dental is the place to go. With an emphasis on creating a relaxing environment, our empathetic staff understands the fear and negative feelings that can be associated with going to the dentist. At POM dental, we don’t want anxiety to stand in the way of your health. Dental care is self care, and we want your experience with us to reflect that. We offer routine dental procedures, such as cleanings and fillings, as well as restorative and cosmetic procedures. Contact POM Dental to schedule your appointment!
answering your questions about bridge…
Will I be able to remove the bridge?
No, the dental bridge is permanently cemented in place. By the time you leave our office, the cement will have hardened which means you can go on with your day without worrying about the bridge becoming dislodged.
How long will a dental bridge last?
You should expect your bridge to last approximately 8-15 years. The broad range depends on your oral hygiene practice and personal habits such as chewing ice, grinding teeth, nutrition etc. One of the most common reasons for a bridge replacement is due to cavities towards the middle of the bridge where floss must be threaded underneath to properly clean. A floss threader is a tool to help bring floss underneath a bridge. We can offer guidance on how to maximize the lifespan of your new investment.
How long will the appointments take to fit a bridge?
There will be two appointments, each lasting 60-90 minutes.
How long after a bridge is placed do I have to wait to eat and drink?
The permanent cement used to fix your bridge in place will harden before you leave the office. However, as you might experience numbness for a few hours we recommend waiting a few hours before eating or drinking.
Have more questions? Please call us at 480-608-5444 or email us and we’ll be able to talk you through the process.