Tooth loss can affect not only how you speak and chew your food, but also the appearance of your face and smile—and in turn, your self-confidence. At Martin Taylor Dentistry, Tucson, AZ area patients have options when it comes to replacing extracted or lost teeth, including dental bridges. Also called a tooth bridge, this is a time-tested method for replacing missing teeth so you can feel great about smiling again.
How a dental bridge for a missing tooth works
Dental bridges do just what their name implies – they “bridge” the gap left by missing teeth. A typical fixed teeth bridge consists of two main components:
- False teeth, called pontics, that are fabricated to look just like your natural teeth and replace one or more missing teeth in a row
- Dental crowns that are placed over the adjacent healthy teeth to anchor the bridge in place
However, there are several types of dental bridges that can be used, depending on which teeth are being replaced and your individual oral health and preferences. For example, an implant-supported bridge can provide increased stability and support the long-term health of your jawbone.
The dental bridge process
To place a dental bridge, it typically takes a few visits to the office. In your first visit, we prepare any teeth that will have crowns placed on them to support the bridge and will take impressions of your mouth so that a beautiful, natural-looking bridge can be created based on your unique smile. A temporary bridge may be placed at this point as well. In your second visit, after your bridge has been created, we will check the fit and appearance and make any adjustments needed before cementing it into position in your mouth. Whether you have lost teeth due to trauma or disease, replacing your lost teeth with a front teeth bridge or a bridge for your molars is well worth the time it takes to restore your smile.
Our process
At Martin Taylor Dentistry in Tucson, AZ our dentists evaluate patients smiles and take the time to learn about their treatment preferences and cosmetic goals before recommending the right tooth replacement options for their individual needs. If a dental bridge is not the best choice for you, we offer other tooth replacement options, such as dental implants and dentures. To learn more, call our Tucson, AZ office today at (520) 600-6925.