Porcelain Bridges

Few incidents have greater impact on dental health and personal appearance than tooth loss. When one or more teeth are missing, the remaining teeth can drift out of position, which can lead to a change in the bite, the loss of additional teeth, decay and gum disease. When tooth loss occurs, Dr. Patel may recommend the placement of a bridge. Designed to replace missing teeth and support surrounding teeth, a bridge is a grouping of interconnected crowns. Held in place by two crowns, a bridge can reduce the risk of gum disease, help correct bite issues and even improve speech.

The loss of even a single tooth can have a major impact on your dental health and personal appearance. Your teeth support and rely on each other. When one or more teeth are missing, the remaining teeth can shift out of their normal position. Teeth adjacent to the space or from the opposite jaw will often drift or tilt. These teeth are often more susceptible to decay and gum disease because they are more difficult to clean around. All of this shifting and drifting will lead to changes in your bite, which may put stress on the jaws, muscles and teeth. Ultimately, your ability to chew comfortably and your appearance may be affected.

If tooth loss occurs, Dr. Patel may recommend that a bridge be placed. A bridge consists of a replacement tooth/teeth attached to crowns on each side. The bridge is cemented to the teeth adjacent to the space, effectively replacing the missing tooth and preventing any shifting.

The procedures involved in making a bridge are very similar to those for making a crown. Bridges can be made from the same materials as crowns – full porcelain, porcelain fused to metal and all metal. At least two appointments are necessary. At the first visit, Dr. Patel will prepare the teeth next to the missing tooth for crowns. An impression of the prepared teeth will be made and a temporary bridge will be placed. At the subsequent visit, Dr. Patel will fit and adjust the bridge and then cement it in place.

Once the bridgework is permanently cemented you may again enjoy your favorite foods with confidence. Bridgework allows you to avoid that sunken-in appearance caused by missing teeth and stabilize that area of the dental arch to give you a more youthful appearance, allowing you to smile with confidence.

Your new bridge will require some special care when brushing and flossing. Dr. Patel will make the following recommendations that will help to reduce or eliminate any oral health problems associated with your bridgework:

• Brush your teeth carefully after every meal with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush (ideally, an ultrasonic toothbrush).

• Floss daily. Dr. Patel may recommend using a particular type of floss for hard-to-reach places between the bridge and its adjacent teeth.

• Have your teeth cleaned at the appropriate intervals recommended by Dr. Patel.

[ Back to Featured Services - Overview ]