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When a tooth is lost
due to decay or gum disease, a fixed dental bridge is
a good way to restore the missing tooth. A dental bridge
can be thought of as a false tooth, and can be used
to repace a single missing tooth, or several adjacent
teeth.
dental bridge materials
: There are 3 types of dental bridges used today: all
metal, porcelain fused to gold, and all porcelain. All
metal bridges using gold are used in the back of the
mouth, and have fallen out of favor due to the poor
esthetics. Porcelain fused to gold bridges are a popular
way for restoring missing teeth in both the front and
the back of the mouth. They are very strong and esthetically
pleasing, but they do have drawbacks. Over time the
gums may recede, exposing the little metal gray line
that you may have seen in a person's mouth.
porcelain bridges:
The third type of bridge is an all porcelain bridge.
These bridges are the most esthetically pleasing of
the three. Porcelain bridges can be made to look almost
identical to your natural teeth. All porcelain bridges
used to be somewhat fragile. Today, with new techniques
in pressed porcelain, the all porcelain bridge has become
a very good choice for replacing a missing tooth.
the first appointment:
Replacing a missing tooth with a fixed bridge involves
two or more appointments. At the first appointment,
your tooth will be numbed with local anesthetic so that
you are comfortable and don't feel any pain. Then the
teeth on either side of the space are shaped with the
dental drill to precise proportions.
An impression is then
taken to make a working stone model for the dental laboratory.
During the time that the laboratory is creating your
new bridge, you will have a temporary bridge in your
mouth.
the second appointment:
At the next appointment, the temporary bridge is removed,
and the new bridge is tried on to make sure that it
fits well. Your cosmetic dentist will check your bite,
make sure that you can floss adequately, and be sure
that the color is a good match to your adjacent teeth.
If everything is correct, your new dental bridge is
bonded or cemented into place.
the cost: Dental
bridges range in cost from $500 to $1000 per tooth.
Sometimes dental insurance will help to cover some of
the costs of the tooth replacement procedure.
the results:
Dental bridges, when properly cared for, can last for
10 years or more.
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