If you have recently lost a tooth, you’ll want to ask one of our Grand Rapids dentists at GR Family Dental about dental bridges. Like the name suggests, a dental bridge “bridges” the gap in your smile after losing a tooth.
It’s important to understand that your teeth are held in place by tooth roots and surrounding teeth. This means that when you lose a tooth, the teeth surrounding the gap will begin to tilt toward the open space.
If you have recently had a tooth extracted or fall out, our dentists may recommend a dental bridge to prevent further tooth loss.
How Dental Bridges Work
A dental bridge is comprised of a false tooth anchored by dental crowns on both sides. The false tooth and crowns are part of the same dental restoration, which is called a bridge. To be a candidate for dental bridges, you’ll need to have healthy natural teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap.
Dental Bridge Procedure
The dental bridge procedure will take two or more visits to our office. During your first dentist appointment with us, our dentists will remove enough enamel from the teeth on either side of the gap to make room for the dental crowns. Since dental crowns cover the entire visible portion of teeth above the gum line, these receiving teeth need to be prepped.
A bridge ‘bridges’ the gap in your smile after losing a tooth!
Next, our dentists will take impressions of your teeth and send them to the lab where your dental bridge will be made. While you wait for your dental bridge to be fabricated, our dentists will place a temporary bridge to protect your teeth and gums until your next appointment. When you come back, our dentists will remove the temporary bridge and replace it with the permanent restoration.
Learn More
Our Grand Rapids, MI, restorative dentists are dedicated to helping patients restore their smiles after tooth loss with dental bridges and other restorations. Call GR Family Dental today at (616) 455-3020, or contact us online.