From trauma to infection, there are many reasons why people lose their teeth. But your smile doesn’t have to be left incomplete if you find yourself missing one or more teeth. In fact, millions of people can recover their smiles with the help of dental bridges. If you’re curious to learn about this type of prosthetic and how it can help improve your oral health, review these frequently asked questions about bridges.  

What Patients Want to Know About Dental Bridges 

What Are Dental Bridges?

Bridges are a semi-permanent type of prosthetic that can be used to replace one or more missing teeth in a row. The center of the device, known as a “pontic,” is one or more artificial teeth that fill in the space left behind by missing teeth. On each end of the pontic is an “abutment” — a dental implant or crown placed over an existing tooth.

What Are the Benefits of Bridges?

Thanks to custom cosmetic dentistry, bridges can be designed to match the look and feel of your original teeth. Apart from boosting the appearance of your smile, these strong prosthetics support biting, chewing, and speaking clearly and comfortably. By maintaining a full smile, bridges also help preserve natural face shape and prevent teeth from shifting over time.

What Does Treatment Involve?

The steps of your treatment will ultimately depend on the nature of the bridge and your tooth replacement needs. Typically, treatment starts by gently filing down teeth to make room for the crown abutments. If you opt for dental implant abutments, treatment begins by inserting small titanium rods into the gum tissue in order to support the implants.

Next, a mold is taken of your smile to create the custom dental prosthetic. When the prosthetic is complete, it is fitted into the space. The bridge will be held in place with a secure bonding agent.

How Should You Care for Dental Bridges?

With proper care, these devices can last reliably for up to 15 years.  Like regular teeth, these prosthetics should be completely brushed and flossed to get rid of debris and bacteria. It’s also critical to maintain regular teeth cleaning appointments with a dentist. To prevent damage, you should avoid biting down on hard foods or objects that could cause false teeth to crack.

When you’re in need of a smile makeover, Dr. Thomas Park DDS is the leading resource for high-quality dental bridges. Providing personalized, one-on-one care to patients in Seymour, CT, Dr. Park will introduce you to all the best options for tooth replacement and enhancement — including dental implants, bridges, crowns, dentures, and veneers. Apart from offering top-notch treatment at a competitive rate, this local dentist is also recognized for his gentle approach and commitment to patient comfort. To learn more about the services this friendly practice offers or to schedule an appointment, call (203) 888-9947.