Dental Bridge
Eugene, OR
Dental Bridges in Eugene provided by Justin Higbee DDS
at Higbee Family Dentistry
 Dental bridges are a vital part of some basic implant procedures. They provide all the benefits of a dental implant, such as the ability to chew food properly, a reduction in saggy skin near the jaw, a better smile, and structure for other teeth and the jawbone.
Quite like the name, dental bridges are used to fill up gaps between teeth. They take the place of a long row of missing teeth by adjoining two crowns on either side of a replacement tooth that can be constructed from various materials by fusing crowns with shaped teeth.
Our experienced Eugene dental team at Higbee Family Dentistry are experts on all things dental bridges!
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a new tooth that helps fill gaps between teeth. Depending on your situation, you can get various kinds of dental bridges. However, most of them are created to achieve the same purpose.
Traditional dental bridges involve two crowns that rest on either side of a pontic, which holds both of them together. This pontic is usually made of porcelain or ceramic fused to a titanium screw.
The three popular kinds of bridges are as follows:
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Cantilever bridges
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Traditional bridges
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Maryland bridges |
How Does a Dental Bridge Work?
If you have experienced tooth loss in the recent past or had a tooth removed due to a medical condition, you might be wondering how you can fill that individual gap. You may want to regain strength in your bite, avoid pain when chewing hard food, or get a better smile.
Luckily, you have quite a few options. One of the best solutions is getting a dental bridge. Your doctor will determine the kind of bridge to get by studying your teeth and jawbone.
A dental bridge works by fusing into place with abutment teeth. The crowns on both sides of the pontic fuse on top of the abutments, whereas the pontic is trapped into place in between.
Dental Bridge Procedure
To receive a dental bridge, one must go through a process which involves several visits. These include preparing for the crowns by turning teeth into abutment teeth. These teeth are contoured by the shaving of the tops, which makes space for the crown.
In the next stage, impressions are taken. Subsequently, the crowns, the bridge, and the pontic are constructed. While waiting for the final procedure, you will usually be fitted with a temporary bridge that protects the gums and abutments.
In the final procedure, the bridge is cemented to your teeth. This process involves sufficient back and forth as the bridge might need to be readjusted. You might be told to wear the bridge for several days and be called back in to see how it fits.
Does a Dental Bridge Procedure Hurt?
A dental bridge procedure doesn’t hurt since the doctor will use local anesthetic throughout. It might feel mildly uncomfortable, so communicate with your doctor about what you need.
After the procedure, you might be sore in the mouth or jaw, so make sure you are prepared with ice packs and some over-the-counter pain medication, just in case.
Dental Bridge Aftercare
It is important to care for the dental bridge after the procedure. The recovery takes a shorter period as you can return to eating and any other activity as soon as you are done. However, if you notice pain and discomfort, talk to your dentist. Most problems can be fixed quickly when it comes to bridges.
How Long Does a Dental Bridge Last?
Dental bridges can last up to six to seven years. This is great news for anyone who wants to restore a great smile and have it last for quite some time. A loose tooth is worrisome, but one that falls out is an absolute headache. Sure, you might have gotten it extracted for a good reason, but you must be wondering how to fill that gap.
Dental bridges are the best solution as they are something that lasts a very long time. You need something that will work for you for a long time and function as close to your natural teeth as possible.
Dental bridges can maximize the lifespan of the surrounding teeth as they add structure to the jawbone, holding the rest of the teeth in place. However, the lifespan of dental bridges might fluctuate slightly depending on how you care for them.
You can take care of your bridges by:
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Having a good oral care routine.
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Eating and drinking responsibly so as to avoid harming the dental bridges.
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Maintaining a healthy lifestyle. |
Taking care of some basic things, such as avoiding smoking, can increase the lifespan of your dental bridge. The more you care for your dental bridges, the longer they last.
How to Increase the Lifespan of Your Dental Bridge
Some of the common ways you can increase the lifespan of your dental bridge include:
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Brush your dental bridges with softer brushes and toothpaste.
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Rinse your mouth with cold water.
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Clean removable dentures carefully. |
It is also vital that you care for the teeth around your dentures. These include your natural teeth, which add structure to the denture. This is why oral health is important and plays a big role in elongating the life of your dental bridge.
Your Journey to a Wider and Healthier Smile
Dental bridges are a great fix for people who have recently lost a tooth. They add structure to their teeth, improve their smile, allow them to eat more comfortably, and much more. All these benefits come at a minimal cost.
However, taking care of the bridges is crucial if you want them to last longer. Practice better oral hygiene and avoid foods or activities that cause harm to your teeth.
Book Your Eugene Dental Appointment Today
At Higbee Family Dentistry, Dr. Higbee will take you through the consultation process and outline all the steps of the procedure in advance for your comfort.
Call us at (541) 342-1187 to book your appointment now!
Contact Us
Phone: (541) 342-1187
Email: office@eugenedentist.net
Our Location in Eugene
Address:
622 E 22nd Ave, Suite D
Eugene, OR 97405-2989
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