If you’re missing one or more teeth, you can count on our team at Spectrum Family Dentistry to create and place a custom dental bridge. We proudly offer comprehensive cosmetic dentistry services to patients in Raleigh, NC. Dental bridges are an effective way to replace missing teeth to restore your smile and bite.
Reasons to Need Dental Bridges
A dental bridge uses crowns and artificial teeth to replace missing natural teeth. The crowns cover the abutment teeth, which are the teeth on either side of a dental gap. The natural-looking false teeth or pontics cover the void to restore your smile and bite.
You could lose a tooth in many ways and require a dental bridge to replace what you lose. For example, gum disease can contribute to tooth decay, which can deteriorate your teeth and bone support. With advanced decay, you might need a tooth extraction to save your neighboring teeth.
Another way to lose a tooth is oral trauma. It’s possible to knock a tooth out by falling, being in a car accident, or playing sports. Even if a tooth is severely damaged but still in its socket, we may recommend an extraction if it’s the best way to address the situation.
Dental Bridge Types and How They Work
Dental bridges vary according to how they fit inside a mouth. Here are several ways you can use a bridge to replace missing teeth:
- Traditional bridges: These bridges use dental crowns on abutment teeth to anchor the pontics.
- Implant-supported bridges: Dental implants that bond to your jawbone can support a dental bridge and provide excellent stability.
- Cantilever bridges: This option is ideal for front gaps with only one anchor tooth.
The Process of Getting Dental Bridges
During a typical dental bridge procedure, Dr. Shi will prepare your abutment teeth by shaving them down slightly to comfortably fit a dental crown. After reshaping the teeth, he will take an impression of your teeth so our dental lab can create custom crowns and pontics.
While the lab makes the false teeth, you’ll receive a temporary bridge to wear. When your custom dental bridge is ready, you’ll receive them during a second appointment.
Turn to Spectrum Family Dentistry for Beautiful Dental Bridges
Whether you prefer traditional bridges or implant-supported bridges, you can trust Dr. Shi and Spectrum Family Dentistry to restore missing teeth with dental bridges. We happily offer 99% of our services in-office to ensure we provide the best dental care to patients of all ages. Call Spectrum Family Dentistry at (919) 278-7576 to book an appointment today.
