If you are missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge may be the ideal solution for you.
A missing tooth is a highly sensitive issue for some individuals, especially when the culprit occurs at the front of the mouth. However, cosmetic concerns aside, missing one or more teeth can also be dangerous to your health. As time passes, missing teeth can cause the surrounding teeth to shift, which can lead to overcrowding. This may lead to weakening of the overall structure of your mouth, causing more tooth loss, which is the last thing we want.
In addition to the above, missing teeth can cause poor nutrition due to food not being chewed properly. You may also experience the wearing down of teeth opposite the gap - this is a result of chewing on the other side to compensate for the missing tooth. Missing teeth can cause speech impediments - so at the end of the day, calling your dentist in Saskatoon for bridge consultation may be a great solution to remedy missing teeth.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a restorative dental procedure designed to replace or fill one or more missing teeth with a false tooth. A “bridge” is created by fitting a dental crown in between the adjacent teeth (or tooth) to fill the gap.
What are my options for a dental bridge?
Traditional Bridge: A traditional dental bridge sets a crown or implant on either side of your missing tooth, and places a false tooth in between the two to fill the space.
*Maryland Bonded Bridge: The Maryland Bonded Bridge is a fan favourite due to low prep time required to the adjacent teeth, and its low cost.
*Cantilever Bridges: If there’s only one tooth neighbouring the missing tooth, a Cantilever Bridge is an ideal solution to fill the gap.
*Keep in mind that the Cantilever and Maryland Bridge are not as sturdy as the traditional bridge. Ensure to consult with your Saskatoon dentist to choose the right option for you.
What does a dental bridge procedure entail?
Ensuring your teeth are rid of plaque and tartar prior to your bridge procedure is extremely important. If you’re due for your regular teeth cleaning, our team will schedule you in for a hygiene visit before diagnosis. After your cleaning appointment, we will schedule you in for your bridge preparation appointment where we will take an impression of your teeth and send it out to the lab to create your permanent bridge. At the office, we will craft a temporary bridge that will be placed in your mouth until your follow-up appointment.
Caring for your temporary dental bridge
It’s important to take care of your temporary bridge while you wait for your permanent bridge appointment. Follow these steps to help ensure your temporary bridge stays put:
- Try and avoid chewy or sticky foods that have the potential to pull at, or displace your bridge.
- Avoid chewing hard or crunchy foods on the side of your mouth with the bridge so as not to damage or remove it.
- Floss your teeth by sliding out as opposed to lifting out, so as not to tug at your temporary bridge and accidentally pull it out.
In the event that your temporary bridge does dislodge, you will need to come back for a visit so we can re-cement it back on for you. At your follow-up appointment, we will cement your permanent bridge, fit it for comfort, and voila! You will leave with your new dental bridge and completed restoration.
If you think you would benefit from a dental bridge procedure, our dental clinic is just a phone call away - 306.242.5233.
Dr. Michael Rosenhek
Dr. Kris Marshall
3-75 Lenore Dr.
Saskatoon, SK
S7K 7Y1