What to expect from dental bridges to replace missing teeth in 4 key steps

At Semidey Dental, there are many ways to replace teeth. In doing so, our “tooth tribe” helps you maintain the structure and shape of your face; eases destructive and uncomfortable stress on your “bite”; and prevents complications of tooth loss (such as damage to neighboring teeth, as these neighbors tend to shift toward gaps).

Dental bridges represent one of the most “time-tested” ways to protect your oral and overall health, and to rebuild the appearance of your smile. In your search for a “dentist near me in Southwest Ranches, Florida,” Dr. Alex Semidey and Dr. Sara Tarte welcome the opportunity to walk you through the bridges process in four key steps.

1. Schedule an initial visit

During your initial visit/consultation, Dr. Alex or Dr. Sara takes a close look at any gaps in your smile and also assesses the overall condition of your gums and mouth. Be prepared to talk about your personal preferences, too. With this information in hand, they may discuss bridges and treatment alternatives further. Like its name, this form of tooth replacement “bridges” the gap that is left after a tooth falls out or is removed. Bridges can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain and other ceramics, and metal alloys. Sometimes they are made from a combination of metals and non-metals. Once made, bridges are secured to the teeth that are closest to them for support.

As with every type of treatment, bridges are not suitable for all situations. Most bridges, for instance, require that you have at least some strong and healthy teeth left to serve as “anchors” for the pontic or replacement tooth.

2. We prepare your bridge

If you decide to move forward with a bridge, crowns are placed on the “anchor” teeth on either side of the gap. These crowns strengthen and stabilize those natural teeth so they can properly support the bridge. To ensure an ideal foundation, the anchor teeth are gently reduced and reshaped so the crowns fit securely.

At Semidey Dental, we utilize the latest 3D digital scanning technology, far more comfortable and precise than old-fashioned impressions, to capture ultra-accurate details of your teeth. Combined with digital X-rays and intraoral images, this data allows us to design replacement teeth and crowns that fit beautifully and function naturally.

Before your final bridge is ready, we place a temporary restoration to protect the prepared teeth and maintain your ability to eat and speak comfortably.

3. We place your bridge

Once each crown and any replacement teeth are made, they are attached as a single piece to become the dental bridge. Dr. Alex or Dr. Sara secures the crowns in the bridge to the anchor teeth. With the crowns attached, the prosthetic teeth fill the space. With your gap filled, you can regain confidence in the appearance of your smile and the best possible function.

4. Care for your bridge

The long-term success of your bridge depends on the health of the surrounding teeth, gums, and bone that supports it. So, it is critical to keep your mouth healthy. Our tooth tribe takes the mystery out of caring for your dental bridge. We work with you to keep it healthy, advising on things like special oral care products and flossing techniques. These recommendations help you to more easily and effectively remove harmful bacteria, lingering food particles, and destructive plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach spaces under the bridge. By keeping these spots that trap food and bacteria clean, your bridge remains healthy and does not affect the health of the neighboring, anchor teeth, too.

If the upkeep associated with conventional bridges is a concern, Semidey Dental offers a complete range of alternatives to rebuild your smile. We are happy to explore options like implants. Crowns or bridges may be secured in the jawbone by implants that are designed to function like tooth roots; no neighboring, crowned teeth are necessary to hold these bridges in place.

Let’s talk! Schedule your consultation at our Southwest Ranches, FL area office in Davie today – call (954) 939-0996.

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