Dental Procedures

A bridge, also called a “fixed bridge” or a “fixed dental prosthesis,” is a dental restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. Bridges extend across an area that has no teeth and is typically made up of an artificial tooth fused between 2 crowns. (A crown is a hollow, artificial tooth that fits over a natural tooth or a dental implant). Bridges are held firmly in place by your own teeth on each side of the missing one(s) or by dental implants. Bridges are permanent and cannot be removed.

How bridges done

If you have healthy teeth on each side of a missing tooth (or teeth), your dentist files down the 2 healthy teeth to prepare them for the bridge. If you don’t have healthy teeth or enough teeth to support a bridge, then dental implants may be surgically placed. A dental implant is an artificial root made of titanium metal that is inserted into the jawbone to replace the root of the natural tooth. The implant acts as an anchor to hold an artificial tooth or bridge in place.

Next, your dentist makes a model of your teeth by taking impressions (molds). The model is used to custom-make the artificial tooth (or teeth) and 2 crowns as one piece. This piece is called a bridge.

Meanwhile your dentist places a temporary bridge in your mouth to protect the exposed teeth and gums.

During your second visit, your dentist removes the temporary bridge and places the custom made bridge in your mouth. The crowns are either cemented to your surrounding healthy teeth or attached to your dental implants on each side of the missing tooth (or teeth).

Types of bridges

There are different types of dental bridges. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate one depending on the location of the missing tooth (or teeth) and the condition of your teeth, mouth and gums.

Traditional bridges are used if there are natural teeth on each side of the gap where the tooth is missing. (As an alternative to a bridge, your dentist may suggest a single implant to replace a missing tooth between two healthy teeth. An implant will prevent you from having to get your healthy teeth filed down in preparation for the crowns.)

To note, the age of dental implants is now enabling your team at Westwoods Dental to build you a permanently retained denture that feel and function as close to real teeth as possible.

Ask your friendly dental team at Westwoods Dental if you have any questions regarding these types of treatment.

Caring for your bridges

Like natural teeth, bridges need to be brushed and flossed every day. Your dentist will show you how to use a floss threader to floss under and around the artificial tooth (or teeth) in the middle of the bridge. Regular dental visits and professional cleanings are also important. If you have an implant bridge, your dentist will show you how to properly care for them.