General dentistry happens to include restoring teeth that are in bad shape or completely missing. Of course, a restoration is meant to bring the tooth back to its original shape, form, and function. However, in some cases, this is not all the way possible, making it necessary to undergo something like a dental bridge placement. Keep reading to find out more about bridges and how they are used in general dentistry.
Below is a quick overview of dental bridges and how they are used as restorations in general dentistry. Having an understanding of this information can be quite helpful to those who are in need of improving oral health.
A dental bridge is a restoration used in general dentistry to replace missing teeth. It is a small base piece that connects to artificial teeth, made of dental crowns. The piece is placed in the empty space where a tooth once was and it bridges the gap between the two surrounding teeth on either side of the empty space. Typically, the base piece is metal and the artificial teeth, also known as pontics, are porcelain or ceramic dental crowns.
Dental bridges look very natural and cannot easily be detected by the natural eye. In general dentistry, the piece is custom made to fit the empty space, as well as the two supporting natural teeth.
General dentists recommend bridges when there is a missing tooth in between two remaining natural teeth or for a tooth that is on its way to rotting. A rotting tooth is one that requires extraction; however, general dentists also recommend replacement shortly after.
Having a missing tooth is not ideal as it can create problems with eating, speaking, and appearance. Instead, it is better to undergo replacement soon after losing a tooth or having it extracted. Thankfully, a dental bridge is a great solution that does not involve too many invasive procedures. In fact, having a bridge placed does not involve nearly as much as other replacement solutions do.
It is good to know that dental restorations address many issues, not just rotting or missing teeth. For example, dental crowns and fillings can both be used to restore a tooth to its original shape and health. However, in the case of dental bridges, their purpose serves to replace and restore.
When needing to undergo any type of restoration in general dentistry, the best thing to do is start by getting an evaluation. The evaluation will give the dentist a chance to examine the missing or rotting tooth and determine what type of treatment is most suitable. From there, an action plan will be put into place to determine the timeline, costs, etc.
To learn more about dental bridges and how they are used by general dentists, reach out today. Additionally, we can get you scheduled for a consultation.
Request an appointment here: https://brianbelldds.com or call Brian Bell, DDS at (559) 366-9006 for an appointment in our Tulare office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentistry in Tulare, CA.
General dentistry includes a patient's primary dental care provider. A general dentist diagnoses and treats overall oral health care needs, including the care and health of the gums.Most procedures to encourage gum health also encourage the general health of a patient's teeth. The following procedures should ultimately lead to healthier gums.During an oral examination, the…
ClearCorrect braces, also called ClearCorrect invisible aligners, are a form of teeth straightening that involve transparent trays that are placed over teeth to shift them into a healthier and more attractive position. Treatment times for ClearCorrect braces vary, depending on several factors such as how severe the misalignment is and how well the patient follows…
A smile makeover is a process that involves one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures to make a person's smile look better. Some of the treatments include bonding, dental crowns, veneers, and tooth-colored fillings. In many cases, the procedure can serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. The treatment options also depend on the patient’s individual condition.A…
Many treatments in aesthetic dentistry can be used to affect the way that your teeth look. Transforming your smile starts with a consultation with a dentist, who assesses all the aesthetic issues of your teeth and recommends appropriate actions. A treatment plan is then crafted, addressing all these issues while minimizing how much time you…