Dental Bridges in Sandy Springs, GA
Artificial teeth anchored to the teeth on either side of a gap, restoring the bite as well as the smile.
Dental bridges are prosthetic devices used to replace one or more missing teeth. They consist of artificial teeth — pontics — held in place by crowns attached to the adjacent natural teeth or to implants.
Why replacing a missing tooth matters
A gap is not only cosmetic. Missing teeth lead to:
- Difficulty chewing and speaking
- Shifting of the adjacent teeth
- Bite misalignment
- Increased risk of decay and gum disease
- Deterioration of the jawbone
A bridge prevents these problems and keeps the remaining teeth where they belong.
The procedure
- Consultation and examination. Dr. Choy examines your teeth and confirms a bridge is the right solution for your case.
- Tooth preparation. The abutment teeth on either side of the gap are prepared for crowns, which involves removing a small amount of enamel.
- Impressions. Accurate impressions are taken so the bridge fits and matches the shape and color of your teeth.
- Temporary bridge. A temporary may be placed to protect the prepared teeth while the permanent bridge is fabricated.
- Placement. The finished bridge is adjusted for a comfortable fit, then bonded or cemented into place.
Caring for your bridge
Maintain good hygiene. Brush and floss to prevent plaque building up around the bridge and its supporting teeth.
Keep your check-ups. Routine cleanings and examinations catch problems around the abutment teeth early.
Be careful with hard foods. Hard or sticky foods can damage a bridge.
Common questions
Bridge or implant?
An implant replaces the root as well as the tooth, does not involve the teeth either side, and preserves the bone where the tooth was. A bridge is faster and does not need surgery or healing time, but it means preparing the two neighbouring teeth to carry it, and it does not stop the bone under the gap from receding. If the neighbouring teeth already need crowns, a bridge makes more sense than it otherwise would.
How long does a bridge last?
Commonly ten to fifteen years, and often longer with good hygiene. What usually ends a bridge is not the bridge itself but decay in one of the teeth supporting it, which is why cleaning underneath it properly matters so much.
How do I clean under a bridge?
You cannot floss between the units the normal way, because they are joined. A floss threader, superfloss, or a water flosser gets under the false tooth, and it needs doing daily. This is the single habit that decides how long the bridge lasts.
How many visits does it take?
Usually two. The first prepares the supporting teeth and takes impressions, and you leave with a temporary bridge. The second fits and cements the final one, once the laboratory has made it.