Dental Bridges in Saskatoon
The main function of our teeth is to aid in tearing food while eating for proper digestion, however, our teeth also help us speak. Over time, they have also become an influencing factor in our appearances as well as our first impressions. When patients lose one or many teeth, they are left in an inconvenient and uncomfortable position. To avoid these types of complications, practicing good oral hygiene is essential, in addition to visiting your Saskatoon dental clinic regularly. This helps keep your gums and teeth in healthy condition while acting as a preventative measure against the development of oral health issues.
Our Saskatoon dentist can detect any signs or symptoms of oral health conditions and can provide the appropriate treatment method. If a patient is missing a tooth or multiple teeth, a popular restorative application is dental bridges to help restore full use of the patient’s mouth.
What are Dental Bridges?
This is application serves as a way to fill the gap(s) in the mouth, created by one or more missing teeth. A dental bridge is a device comprised of a false tooth (called a pontic) that is held in place by the teeth on either side of the gap. These teeth serve as the anchor teeth for the pontic that is used to fill the gap. Although pontics can be made from a variety of materials, they are typically crafted using porcelain to blend in with the surrounding natural teeth.
What are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?
When you have a missing tooth or missing teeth, it can affect you in a number of ways. A dental bridge can address those changes, including:
- restoring your smile
- restoring the ability to properly chew
- restoring your speech and pronunciation
- maintaining the shape of your face
- re-adjusting your bite to properly distribute the force when you chew
- preventing your remaining teeth from moving out of the correct position
How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?
Maintaining regular visits to your dentist and practicing good oral health habits can greatly impact how long the dental bridge can last. In general, dental bridges can last between 5 to 15 years.
Dental Bridge vs. Dental Implant
Many dental insurance plans cover bridges, and many now cover dental implants as well. As mentioned above, a dental bridge will need to be replaced after 5 to 15 years, depending on how well the patient maintains it, while dental implants are considered a permanent solution to tooth loss. A patient’s oral hygiene habits and whether or not they regularly visit their Saskatoon dentist can determine the lifespan of these devices.
What is the Process?
This starts with an initial visit, which involves a full assessment of the patient’s oral health and the removal of the affected tooth if it is not already removed from the mouth. After this step, your Saskatoon dentist will re-contour the teeth surrounding the missing tooth, which will be used as supporting teeth for the dental bridge. This process involves the teeth being filed and shaped to make room for the crowns that will be placed over each of them.
The next step involves impressions being taken and used as models for the creation of the crowns, pontic and framework of the dental bridge. You will be asked to wear a temporary bridge while the permanent bridge is being created to protect the area during the process. During your final visit, the temporary bridge will be removed and replaced with the new permanent dental bridge. Adjustments may be required to ensure it fits securely in the mouth. Once this is completed, the dental bridge will be cemented in the mouth and restore the functionality of the patient’s mouth.
* All dental services offered at Saskatoon Smiles are provided by general dentists at each location.