Dental Bridges in Murfreesboro, TN

Dental bridges are fixed dental restorations used to replace one or more missing teeth by bridging the gap between adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. They consist of artificial teeth, known as pontics, which are attached to dental crowns or abutments on either side of the gap to anchor the bridge in place. Dental bridges offer several benefits, including restoring the appearance and function of the smile, preventing the shifting of adjacent teeth, and maintaining proper bite alignment. Here's everything you need to know about dental bridges:

What Are Dental Bridges in Murfreesboro, TN?

Restoring oral cavity health includes mending teeth and bringing the mouth back to a functional state. Dental bridges cover the gap where there are missing teeth. A dental crown is attached to the adjacent teeth with an artificial tooth or teeth between the anchoring crowns on both sides of the missing tooth or teeth, thus filling the gap. These false teeth are made of porcelain, gold, alloy, or an amalgam of these metals.

We strive hard to make every bridge as comfortable as possible through our custom-made fabrications and fitting. However, some patients may undergo initial minor discomfort in the days following the procedure. Our dentist in Murfreesboro TN recommends that patients who receive dental bridges eat soft foods to avoid further irritation. But the majority of patients can continue eating solid and hard foods within a week following the procedure.

Procedure for Getting Dental Bridges in Murfreesboro, TN

• Consultation:During an initial consultation, the dentist will evaluate the patient's oral health, discuss treatment options, and take impressions or digital scans of the mouth to create custom bridges.
• Preparation:In preparation for the bridge placement, the adjacent teeth (abutments) may need to be trimmed or reshaped to accommodate the dental crowns. Impressions are taken to ensure proper fit and alignment.
• Fabrication:The impressions or scans are sent to a dental laboratory, where the custom bridge is fabricated to match the size, shape, and color of the patient's natural teeth.
• Placement:Once the bridge is ready, the dentist will place it in the mouth and check the fit and alignment. Any necessary adjustments are made before the bridge is permanently cemented into place.

How Are Dental Bridges Different From Dentures?

While both bridges and dentures are both designed to replace missing teeth, dental bridges are smaller than dentures. This is because bridges are meant to replace only a small number of missing teeth, whereas dentures replace up to all the teeth in the entire mouth. Call us to learn more.

What Are the Advantages of Dental Bridges in Murfreesboro, TN?

Benefits of Dental Bridges:

• Restore Function: Dental bridges restore the ability to chew and speak properly, improving overall oral function and comfort.
• Enhance Appearance:By filling in gaps left by missing teeth, dental bridges restore the appearance of the smile and prevent facial sagging and premature aging.
• Prevent Tooth Shifting: Missing teeth can cause adjacent teeth to shift out of alignment over time, leading to bite problems and potential jaw issues. Dental bridges help prevent this by maintaining proper tooth alignment and spacing.
• Preserve Oral Health: Dental bridges distribute chewing forces evenly across the dental arch, reducing the risk of uneven wear and tear on remaining teeth and preserving oral health.

How to Care for Dental Bridges?

Bridges should be cared for properly in the same manner as natural teeth. It is essential to adequately brush dental bridges twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Cleaning your bridge will reduce the formation of cavities and the development of inflammation of the gum tissue. It’s also crucial to schedule regular check-ups and any necessary dental services and procedures with your dentist in 37129.

Our Stonegate Family Dentistry team looks forward to meeting with you and developing a customized dental bridge to meet your individual needs. Call Dentist in Murfreesboro, TN today at (615) 624-6919 or request an appointment online.