Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Dental Bridges: What Are They?

Replacing missing teeth is important because teeth not only help us chew, but they help us speak and are a large part of our facial structure. One option for tooth replacement Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS offers here in her Holmdel, NJ dental practice is the dental bridge.


A dental bridge is quite literal to its name. It is a restoration that bridges the gap between teeth. Bridges work by attaching a replacement tooth, called a pontic, to two crowns on either side. The crowns are placed on the teeth that are adjacent to the open space. The pontic sits right in the middle where the missing tooth once was. Bridge may also be made for teeth that are missing with only one tooth adjacent to it, like in cases where the last molar is missing.


Dental bridges are able to be made to look just like your natural teeth, so no one will be able to tell the difference when you smile. We can take an impression of the open space and the adjacent teeth so that a dental laboratory can create a custom bridge. The adjacent teeth are first prepared, so the impression is taken after the teeth are reshaped for the crowns. While the custom bridge is being prepared, you will wear a temporary bridge. After the custom bridge is ready, it is permanently bonded into place. A bridge can last for over ten years with good care.


If you are missing a tooth, it is important to replace it. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS in our Holmdel, NJ dental practice, call our office at (732) 264-8180 or visit our website, www.dentistnj.com

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