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Current Patients 904-733-4200

6802 St. Augustine Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32217

How Do Bridges Restore My Smile?

dental bridges jacksonville flIn addition to affecting your self-confidence, missing teeth can lead to a number of other problems from difficulty speaking normally to difficulty chewing food and subsequently, poor nutrition. Fortunately, the world of modern dentistry now has several excellent treatments available to replace lost teeth. One of the most straightforward and reliable methods is the dental bridge. Dr. Donald J. Alexander and Dr. Michael M. Greenberg, the skilled and compassionate dentists at Alexander & Greenberg Dentistry in Jacksonville, FL want to take a moment to explain the benefits of dental bridges for restoring a healthy smile.

What is a Dental Bridge?

A bridge is a kind of prosthetic device (replacement part) that fills the gap in your smile left by a missing tooth. It is supported on the surrounding healthy teeth. In dental terms, the artificial replacement tooth is referred to as a “pontic” (from the French word “pont” meaning bridge). The healthy adjacent teeth — called abutments — support the pontic on either side. The completed prosthesis spans the gap in your teeth just like a bridge over a canyon.

The teeth that will form the abutment must be prepared to support the pont by being crowned or “capped.” This is done in much the same as if the teeth needed crowns due to tooth decay or damage.

First, their enamel is removed, creating enough space for the crown to fit over and completely cover them while maintaining a lifelike appearance. The crowns on the abutment teeth will support the false tooth (pontic) in between. The pontic is really just another crown but with no living tooth underneath.

Building a Bridge

As explained above, if you have one missing tooth, your bridge will need three crowns: two to cover the abutment teeth on either side of the gap and one crown to take up the space in between. This arrangement is known as a three-unit bridge.

If more than one tooth is missing, more crowns (and possibly more abutment teeth) will be needed to create the bridge. Your dentist must take several variables into account in this calculation: the number of teeth missing, the size, length and stability of the abutment tooth roots, and also from where in the mouth the teeth were lost.

So if you are missing three teeth, four abutment teeth may be necessary, thereby creating a seven-tooth bridge. Crafting a dental bridge requires not just an understanding of the biology of the tooth-supporting gum and bone tissue but also an understanding of engineering as well.

What to Expect

Getting bridgework completed usually requires two visits to the dentist’s office. At the first visit, local anesthetic will be administered and your abutment teeth will be prepared for crowing as described above. Molds of your prepped teeth will be taken to prepare three-dimensional models of your teeth, which will be used to construct the crowns. A temporary bridge will be placed before you leave the office.

When your permanent bridge is ready, it will be permanently placed during the second visit. You will need to become accustomed to the feel of the new bridge against your tongue, lips, and cheeks, but will eventually come to accept it as part of your own teeth.

Caring for your Bridge

Crowned teeth require the same conscientious care and hygiene as your other teeth. Be sure to brush twice daily and floss every day to reduce the build-up of dental plaque. It is even more important to schedule regular cleanings with your dental provider if you have a bridge. A well-cared-for bridge to last for a long time with proper care.

Dental Bridges in Jacksonville, FL

If you are in the Jacksonville, FL area and would like to discuss tooth replacement options with a skilled professional dentist or even just have a routine teeth cleaning, call 904.901.4302 or schedule online with Alexander & Greenberg Dentistry today.