A dental bridge is a terrific way to restore missing teeth. A bridge usually takes two appointments to place. First, the dentist will remove the enamel from the teeth at each end of the gap in your smile. Those teeth will hold the crowns that will keep the bridge in place. The dentist will take impressions of those teeth and the space. Those impressions will be used to create the permanent crowns and the bridge that will replace your lost teeth. When the bridge and permanent crowns are ready, the dentist will cement them in place.
With the proper care, your bridge can last for many years, even a lifetime. However, the operative words are “proper care.” Your bridge may be made of prosthetic teeth, but that doesn’t mean you can ignore it. For your bridge to serve you well, you need to care for it, just as you would your natural teeth. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, and this includes your bridge. If your teeth suffer from decay under your crowns, your bridge can fail. Your crowns also need healthy gums to do their jobs well, and you need to make sure that you follow the instructions from our dentist, Dr. Eli Janabi to prevent gum disease. You bridgework can give food debris and plaque extra places to accumulate, so flossing is key. If you have trouble using regular dental floss, you might try using an interdental brush, a floss threader or a water flosser.
If you need to fill in the spaces in your smile, we’re here to help. To find out if you could benefit from a dental bridge in Falls Church, Virginia, call 703-982-2222 today to schedule a visit to Smile Studio Dental.
