Dental Bridges King George, VA
If you are missing some of your teeth, we can replace them using a dental bridge. This is a secure and permanent alternative to wearing dentures. We can work to make a dental bridge look entirely natural after we place it on your teeth. We begin the procedure by taking precise measurements of your teeth in our dentist office. We will also take an impression, so the dental lab has all the information they need to create replacement teeth that look like your natural ones. To find out if you are a good candidate for the procedure, call (540) 808-1303 and schedule a consultation. At Richard Cottrell, DDS & Associates, we offer several solutions for replacing missing teeth, so if a bridge is not suited to your needs, we will recommend a different solution.
What is a dental bridge?
A bridge is a fixed prosthetic that can be an effective solution in cases of partial tooth loss. It is exactly as the name suggests, a bridge that replaces lost teeth between your remaining strong ones. However, in order to qualify for a dental bridge, you must have remaining teeth that are strong enough to support it. If you do, we will place dental crowns on those teeth these teeth so they can serve as anchors to hold up a gum-colored base that we can use to secure the bridge. Essentially, your remaining teeth provide the support necessary for ensuring your new tooth or teeth stay in place.
Why should I get a dental bridge?
There are several reasons to get a dental bridge, including restoring the appearance of your smile; giving you the ability to eat and speak normally; preserving the shape and structure of your face; and preventing pressure and wear on your remaining teeth.
How does a dental bridge compare to standard dentures?
When you visit our dental office, we can discuss what the differences will be like from the perspective of the treatment and process. Generally speaking, the most significant difference between a dental bridge and dentures is that dentures are removable. Since they need to come out nightly, you will not have a full set of teeth 24/7. Simultaneously, anything removable runs the risk of becoming loose or even falling out at inconvenient times. For this reason, patients may be uncomfortable wearing dentures and prefer a more secure solution. If you are wearing dentures currently and find that you have difficulty eating your favorite foods, laughing loudly, or playing sports when wearing them, consider this alternative.
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Will my dental bridge look natural?
Absolutely. At Richard Cottrell, DDS & Associates, we will take every step necessary to ensure they look natural and fit perfectly. We begin by taking accurate measurements and also matching the shade of your prosthetic with your surrounding natural teeth. If your other teeth are stained or yellow, now is an excellent time to whiten them since we will create your new teeth using materials that are both resistant to stain and bleach.
How long does a dental bridge last?
The duration of a dental bridge is different for everyone and is impacted by your daily habits. However, fixed dental bridges can last for 15 years or even longer. On the short end, they tend to last for five years. One thing to keep in mind is that the overall health of your mouth will influence the longevity of your bridge. Since the natural teeth with dental crowns determine the stability of the bridge, you must keep your natural teeth healthy. We recommend you do so by visiting our King George, VA dental office for a teeth cleaning and dental examination twice a year. We can remove built-up plaque to prevent decay and infections. If you develop any oral health problems, we will address them immediately. We will prevent the problems from spreading do not spread and your mouth can remain in excellent health.
What can I expect from the procedure?
When you visit our dentist office for a dental bridge, we will begin by conducting an examination and taking X-rays. We need to determine whether your remaining teeth are strong enough to support a bridge. We also need to make sure you do not have any decay or infections. If you do, we will treat the problem before placing your bridge. Afterward, we will prepare your abutment teeth for the placing of dental crowns. We remove a small portion of the enamel from around the teeth. Next, we will take measurements, make an impression, and use a shade card to determine what shade your new teeth need to be. This information will all be sent to the dental lab to create your new crowns and bridge. In the meantime, we will place a temporary bridge in your mouth. This will not look as good or be as secure as the final product, but it will preserve your appearance while you wait.
Once your new bridge is ready, you will need to come back to our King George, VA dentist office so we can remove the temporary bridge and bond the new one in place in place. We may need to make some minor adjustments during the fitting process and will do what is necessary to ensure that it fits correctly, is comfortable, and looks natural. Taking the time to do so will help you to enjoy your new teeth now and in the future.
Will getting a dental bridge be uncomfortable?
At Richard Cottrell, DDS & Associates, we can provide you with anesthesia to help you remain comfortable while getting your new dental bridge. The only time anesthesia may be necessary is when we are preparing your teeth or when we are securing your bridge in place. Feel free to let us know how you are feeling about the procedure and will help you to relax.
To learn more about dental bridges and how they can be used to replace your missing teeth, call 540-808-1303. Our King George, VA dental office is conveniently located, and we are currently accepting new patients.
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Definition of Dental Terminology
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person’s teeth, gums and/or bite.
- Decay
- Tooth decay is when the enamel of the tooth begins to decay and cause erosion from plaque and tartar on the teeth.
- Dental Caries
- Dental caries are also known as cavities and result from a lack of proper oral hygiene leaving plaque that forms tiny holes in the teeth.
- Dental Checkup
- A dental checkup is an appointment that involves cleaning the teeth, identifying any signs of infection and removing said signs of infection at least once every six months in the office.
- Dental Filling
- A dental filling involves restoring the structure of the tooth by using metal, alloy, porcelain or plastic to fill the tooth.
- Dental Prophylaxis
- A dental prophylaxis is a professional and detailed cleaning that involves the removal of plaque, calculus and stains from the teeth.
- Dental Sealants
- Dental sealants contain a resinous material that we apply to the chewing surfaces of the posterior teeth to prevent dental caries.
- Dentist
- A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
- Gingivitis
- Gingivitis is the inflammation of gum tissue that results from plaque, other infections in the mouth and poor oral hygiene.
- Preventive Dentistry
- Preventive dentistry is the dentistry that focuses on maintaining oral health in order to prevent the spread of plaque, the formation of tartar and infections in the mouth.
- Tartar
- Tartar forms when plaque builds up on the surface of the teeth and calcifies into a hard surface that is much more difficult to remove and will require professional treatment.
- Tooth Enamel
- Tooth enamel is the protective visible outer surface of a tooth that contains the dentin and dental pulp.
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