What Is a Dental Bridge? Answers to Your Questions

If you’re missing one or multiple teeth in a row, filling that gap with artificial teeth can restore your smile and functionality to your mouth. Yourdentist in Indianapolis, IN, can help. At Indiana Emergency Dental, we provide dental bridge services to our patients. If you have questions about dental bridges, then we have answers. Below are some of the most commonly asked questions and answers about dental bridges.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is an artificial tooth or a short row of multiple artificial teeth that are held in place by dental crowns that attach to adjacent natural teeth. Dental bridges are made from impressions of your mouth and are colored like your other teeth so they fit perfectly and look like they belong in your mouth.

How Is a Dental Bridge Installed?

First, your dentist will numb the area where the bridge will be installed. Next, the dentist will shave down the tooth enamel on the teeth on either side of the gap to be filled. When this is done, the dentist will make impressions of your mouth to send to the lab. The lab will use this information to create the bridge.

A dental bridge can take a few weeks to create, so the dentist will install a temporary bridge while the lab is creating the permanent bridge. When the permanent bridge is finished, you’ll come back in for a final installation.

What Are the Benefits of a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge can fill the gap in your mouth. Missing teeth can affect the way you chew, so the dental bridge can fix that.

Have more questions aboutdental bridges in Indianapolis, IN? Call Indiana Emergency Dental to learn more today.

A Look at the Most Common Myths About Dental Bridges

For patients missing a tooth, dental bridges in Indianapolis, IN, can be an excellent cosmetic option. While bridges are commonly installed and highly effective for smile restructuring, these dental fixtures are also plagued by a number of myths. Take a look at a few of the most common myths surrounding dental bridges below.

Myth: Bridges are uncomfortable.

One of the most prevalent myths about dental bridges is that dental bridges are uncomfortable or somehow painful to have. In reality, however, a well-designed and properly fitted dental bridge should not cause discomfort. Dentists take great care to ensure that bridges are comfortable to wear and adequately allow you to speak and chew without disruption. A short adjustment period to get used to the new sensation is to be expected, but discomfort should not be a persistent issue.

Myth: Bridges look unnatural.

With advancements in dental technology and materials, modern dental bridges can be incredibly natural-looking. Dentists work to match the color, shape, and size of the artificial tooth to your existing teeth. Therefore, the bridge blends seamlessly into your smile and is usually not discernible without close inspection.

Myth: Bridges tend to damage surrounding teeth.

When installed and maintained correctly, bridges do not harm the surrounding teeth. While these teeth have to be prepared to become supportive anchors for the new bridge, dentists ensure a precise fit and take steps to preserve the health and integrity of neighboring teeth. Further, good oral hygiene habits ensure that the surrounding teeth are not compromised when you have a bridge.

Discuss Dental Bridges with a Skilled Indianapolis Dentist

A qualified Indianapolis dentist can provide comprehensive information about the benefits, care, and expected comfort levels of dental bridges. To help you make the best decision about dental bridges, be sure to schedule an appointment with Indiana Emergency Dental.