A bridge is the best service we can give you to replace missing teeth. It is permanently fixed in place, feels good and looks good. As long as you maintain your teeth properly and don’t allow new decay to develop on the root surfaces, it will last indefinitely.
Your bridge is made of porcelain fused to a metal framework. This can be a non-precious metal or gold,depending on the circumstances and your preference.
Before your appointment, it is very important for your gums to be in good health. Please brush and floss the area carefully in preparation for your appointment.
At your bridge appointment, the teeth will be anesthetized and some preparation to the teeth will be done to make room for the porcelain. Usually, the preparation extends slightly below the gum line. An impression is made of your mouth and temporary restorations cemented. It takes about 2 and 1/2 weeks to fabricate your new bridge.
Your temporaries are made of acrylic and will not feel the same as the permanent restoration. They may be thicker and not as smooth. They are cemented with a weak cement so we can remove them easily at your next appointment. We have very little problems with temporaries coming off but occasionally it happens. You should avoid heavy chewing pressure on it and sticky foods. If you have problems, let us know.
Anytime we prepare a tooth, there may be some postoperative pain and you may have some soreness of the gums. Your favorite over the counter pain tablets should be all you will need. If you have severe pain please call. Some sensitivity to hot and cold is normal.
You should brush and floss your teeth. Also, try to keep the area around the temporaries as clean as possible. You will need to learn a slightly different way to floss under your bridge. We will show you how.
At the final appointment, we will remove the temporaries and try the permanent bridge in for fit and shade match. This is usually done without on injection. However, if your tooth is particularly sensitive, we may need to get it numb.
