What are Dental Bridges?
If just one or even a few of your teeth are missing, it's more than just a cosmetic problem — it can become a problem for your overall oral health. If you have gaps in your teeth, it can cause other teeth to move out of position. These gaps can cause extra tension when you bite, pain while you're chewing, or even trouble speaking. A dental bridge restores the health and appearance of your mouth by covering spaces with a false tooth supported by either your natural teeth, dental implants, or a combination of both. At Ferrari & Aldieri Dental Associates in Farmingdale, NY, this teeth replacement option is created with high-quality materials that will help restore your beautiful smile. If you have missing teeth, please schedule a consultation with one of our skilled dentists to learn more about your treatment options with a custom bridge.
Reviews
Do I Need A Dental Bridge?
Gaps in your smile can have a powerful impact on the health of your mouth. Your mouth is balanced carefully with each tooth playing an important role, and a gap may affect how well you can use your mouth. Over time, a missing tooth can lead to shifting teeth, causing problems with your bite (underbite, crossbite, overbite) and atrophy of the gums and jawbone. To place a bridge, the surrounding teeth must be healthy enough to hold the restoration with sufficient jawbone density and gums. One of our dentists will examine your mouth during your exam and consultation to help you choose the best bridge type and material to fit your needs.
What Should I Expect with My Dental Bridge?
To start off, we will clean your teeth and take digital x-rays and impressions of your teeth so your bridge can be created. Using our CEREC technology, it is likely we can create your dental bridge the same day as your visit. However, if needed, a temporary bridge or restoration can be used while your custom one is crafted. Once your dental bridge is ready, we will numb the needed areas of your mouth using a numbing agent. Stronger sedation methods may be available if you have anxiety or trouble with a gag reflex. The dental bridge can be cemented in place or attached to dental implants, depending on the support you and your dentist chose during your consult. We will adjust the position of your bridge so it feels right, stable, and comfortable for you.
Will There Be a Follow-Up for My Dental Bridge?
After your bridge is in place, your teeth should quickly begin to appear and function normally. You may schedule a second visit at Ferrari & Aldieri Dental Associates to adjust your bridge's fit if it feels uncomfortable after it settles in. One of our dentists or a skilled assistant will teach you how to care for your bridge, including the best way to clean it and any foods to avoid. Keep in mind, it is important to keep your bridge and mouth clean since decay can still develop under the restoration. As long as it is properly cared for, your bridge may last for many years. During your yearly dental exam and biannual teeth cleanings, we will evaluate the wear and health of your dental bridge to decide if it should be repaired or replaced.
Dental Bridge Restorations
Even if you don't mind how you look with a gap in your teeth, it can turn into a bigger problem if you don't get it fixed. Ferrari & Aldieri Dental Associates would be happy to give you more information about bridge restorations and the options that match your specific needs for teeth replacement. We are pleased to offer high-quality dental bridges that can help improve the health and appearance of your teeth. Contact our Farmingdale, NY office to schedule your consultation with one of our dentists today.