A tooth bridge in Philadelphia is also known as a dental bridge, and it is used to replace missing teeth. As the name suggests, a tooth bridge spans a gap between two natural teeth. It helps keep teeth straight by preventing teeth from moving into the gap and thus shifting out of alignment. There are several different types of tooth bridges including temporary and removable models.
What Does Getting a Tooth Bridge Involve?
A tooth bridge in Philadelphia typically consists of a false tooth or row of false teeth called a pontic that will be attached to either natural teeth or dental implants. The anchoring teeth or implants are sometimes called “abutment teeth.”
The first step in getting a tooth bridge is preparing the abutment teeth which will have crowns that support the bridge. The dentist will typically make room for the crowns and the bridge by shaving off some of the enamel of the abutment teeth. They will then take impressions of the teeth so the dental lab can make the crowns and the bridge. The lab will fabricate the crowns and bridge to be the same color as the patient’s natural teeth. The dentist will give the patient a temporary bridge to wear while they wait.
Once the dental lab has fabricated the crowns and the bridge, the dentist will remove the temporary bridge. They will adjust the permanent bridge to make certain it fits perfectly. In some cases, the dentist may decide to use temporary cement so they can see how well the bridge fits. When they are satisfied that the bridge fits properly, they will permanently bond it to the abutment teeth.
A tooth bridge in Philadelphia can last between five and 15 years. As with all dental restorations, good oral hygiene will help the bridge last longer and prevent the abutment teeth from decaying.
