When you lose a tooth, it’s not just your smile that gets affected. You may also find it hard to eat or speak normally. But luckily these days, dentists offer many solutions for replacing missing teeth, one of the most reliable ones being dental bridges. If you are considering dental bridges in Houston, this blog will prepare you beforehand and help you understand what to expect from your treatment. So keep reading!
When Do You Need a Dental Bridge?
Before looking at the details, you should know why a dental bridge may be needed. It is a fixed tooth replacement that is bonded to your existing teeth.
Just like the name suggests, it bridges the gap between your teeth when a tooth falls out or is removed. Unlike a removable denture that can sometimes move or slip away when you eat, a bridge remains firm in its place because it’s fixed using the support of your own teeth or dental implants.
For our Houston patients, we usually recommend dental bridge treatment when they have lost one or a few more teeth in a row. It not only helps you get your confident smile back but also restores your chewing ability.
What to Expect When Getting Dental Bridges in Houston?
The process of getting a dental bridge usually requires two or three appointments. Let’s break it down, step by step, so you know what to expect.
Starting with a consultation
First of all, our dentist in Houston checks your teeth and talks to you about the issues you have been having with missing teeth. It helps decide if a bridge is your best option or if you need to consider another treatment.
Preparing your teeth
For bridge placement, we need to remove a small amount of enamel from your abutment teeth (teeth next to the gap). Local anesthesia ensures this step is painless.
It helps make sure that the caps covering your abutment teeth fit perfectly.
Taking impressions
Our dentist takes impressions of your teeth, both upper and lower ones, and sends them to a lab. Until your next visit, you get a temporary bridge to cover your teeth so that you can continue your normal day activities.
Fitting your bridge
When your dental bridge is ready, our dentist then removes the temporary replacement and checks the fit of your permanent bridge. Finally, after a few adjustments, they cement it onto your teeth.
How to Maintain Your New Dental Bridge
After you get a new bridge, try avoiding foods that are too hard or sticky. You can brush your teeth as you normally would, but focus on cleaning around your bridge margins.
Flossing can be a little challenging at first, but you can ask our Houston dentist about easy-to-use tools and techniques that help clean your dental bridge better.
Final Words
Getting your missing teeth replaced with a dental bridge usually takes two to three visits. It’s comfortable and helps you get your fuller smile back.
So if you’re looking for a dental office in Houston to restore your smile, visit our experts at John H. Krell D.D.S. today. Call (713) 877-1775 to schedule your appointment.