Missing teeth can have a major negative impact on the appearance and overall health of your smile. This can lead to further health issues down the line, including a higher risk of disease, infection, and even higher dentistry costs. It also just isn’t fun for your self-esteem.
There are cosmetic dentistry procedures that can help aid this problem if you find that your smile is missing its shine! A treatment and solution to a missing tooth can be as simple as having a dental bridge installed. Here is all that you need to know before taking the next step of having a dental bridge procedure done!
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a very common dental piece and procedure that consists of one or more teeth made from either resin or porcelain to replace missing natural teeth. During this procedure, a bridge is connected to the crowns that help anchor the bridge to the natural teeth.
What Should You Expect During Treatment?
It is important to know that the process of having dental bridges installed will take multiple visits to your local dentistry professional to complete the procedure.
After scheduling and attending a consultation with Dr. Addario to determine if a dental bridge would be the best solution for your missing tooth, the first steps of the procedure will be put into place. The preliminary treatment is often performed with the patient being put under anesthesia, which is why it is absolutely imperative to have this done by a highly trained and licensed professional like Dr. Addario.
The next appointments will include setting the dental bridge into place. As with any other change, there may be discomfort upon the first installation, but these effects will subside as you become used to the new addition of the prosthetic. The final appointment will be spent adjusting the bridge, if necessary, to avoid any discomfort that may be experienced.
Aftercare and Cleaning
The longevity of the dental bridge depends on aftercare. With a bridge being installed, it’s imperative to prevent tooth decay and possible gum diseases that can lead to tooth damage/loss. Proper tooth and gum care can include brushing and flossing twice daily, regular teeth cleanings, and cutting back on foods high in sugars.
Dental bridges can last at least five to seven years; however, with good oral hygiene and regular professional cleanings scheduled with your dentist, the bridge may last more than 10 years!
Your Smile Matters
Missing teeth can affect how you eat, talk and smile. A dental bridge can restore the look and function of your mouth, along with your oral health. Aesthetic Dentistry of San Diego is here to help if you are considering getting a dental bridge or need to replace an old bridge! Call us today at (619) 656-1788 to schedule an appointment with our highly experienced dental staff.