Fixed Dental Bridges in Irving
Personalized Designs That Last
If you are missing one or more teeth and there is at least one serviceable tooth on both sides of the space where the tooth/teeth is/are missing, one acceptable option for replacement, used for many years in dentistry, is the fixed bridge. A fixed bridge is an appliance made of porcelain that is designed to replace missing teeth in the most natural way possible. This procedure usually takes two to three appointments to complete and is very similar to having a crown placed on a tooth.
Why Choose 21st Century Dental of Irving for Dental Bridges?
- Durable, Lasting Tooth Replacement
- High-Quality Materials & Customized Design
- Reliable & Skilled Office Staff
What to Expect During Your First Appointment?
The first visit begins by giving you a local anesthetic. Depending upon the type of local anesthetic used, you can expect to be numb for one to four hours. If your anesthesia should last longer, do not be concerned. Not everyone reacts to medication in the same manner.
Once you are numb, the doctors will prepare your teeth in a very specific way in order to maximize the retention and esthetics of your new bridge. After the teeth are fully prepared, we proceed with the impression stage. At times, we use a thin piece of retraction cord that is placed around your teeth in order to get the impression material under the gums.
Should you experience any discomfort you can take a mild analgesic (Tylenol™, Advil™, Anacin™, etc) as long as there is no medical contraindication based upon your medical history. Typically, you can take anything you would normally take for a headache. If the discomfort persists, please call 21st Century Dental of Irving.
Once the impression stage is completed, we will place a temporary (transitional) bridge on your teeth. These plastic (acrylic) restorations are placed on teeth to protect them and the gum tissues between dental visits. The temporary cementing medium used is designed to allow the easy removal of the temporary at your next scheduled visit.
There are a couple of additional facts you should know about regarding the care of your temporary bridge:
Home care is extremely important while your temporary bridge is in place. The health of your gum tissue and the success of your final treatment restoration depends upon it. PLEASE do not be afraid to clean your teeth between visits. With a minimal amount of home care, you should be able to maintain the continued health of your teeth and gum tissue during the time required to fabricate your new bridge.
Sometimes, even with meticulous care, temporary bridges may become loose between visits. If this should occur, please place the temporary bridge back on your teeth immediately. Putting a drop of Vaseline™ on the temporary bridge will very often increase the retention and hold the temporary in place until you can schedule an appointment. If you cannot replace the temporary bridge yourself, put it in a safe place and call the office. We will be happy to recement it for you at the earliest possible moment.
During Your Second Appointment
When you arrive for your second appointment, the temporary bridge is removed, and any temporary cement is cleaned from the prepared teeth. Your doctor will fit the final bridge, check for accuracy, adjust for any bite discrepancies, and evaluate the esthetics. If all of these factors are acceptable, the bridge is cemented to your teeth. It is not unusual for the new bridge to be mildly sensitive to cold temperatures for a few weeks. However, if the sensitivity is severe, does not subside, or if the bite feels uncomfortable, contact us. Further adjustments to the bridge may be necessary.
If the fixed bridge is well constructed, then it should appear entirely natural and restore function to the area, helping you smile more confidently in Irving, TX!