At Harris Dental Clinic in Laurel, MS, we understand that missing teeth can negatively affect your oral health, confidence, and overall quality of life. Fortunately, our team offers dental bridges to provide a reliable and aesthetically pleasing solution to restore your smile's functionality and appearance.
Dental bridges are a common and effective way to replace missing teeth. They consist of one or more prosthetic teeth that are anchored onto adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. Bridges are designed to bridge the gap created by missing teeth, restoring your smile's appearance and functionality.
Dental bridges are made of two main parts: the pontic, or artificial tooth, and the abutment, which is the anchor that holds the pontic in place. The abutment can be attached to the adjacent teeth or dental implants. Dental bridges can be made of various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, or a combination of these materials.
Dental bridges offer many benefits, including:
Bridges are most appropriate for those missing one to three teeth in a row. Individuals who are missing more teeth than that may wish to consider alternative options, such as partial dentures or dental implants. Additionally, dental bridge candidates should not have periodontal disease or widespread tooth decay. If these issues are present, our dentist will likely address them first so that you can have a strong foundation for your new restoration. At Harris Dental Clinic, we also place implant-supported bridges. If you are interested in pursuing this option, we will work alongside a local, trusted oral surgeon for the highest quality care available.
Dental bridges are most appropriate for patients who are missing one to three consecutive teeth.
Dental bridge placement can typically be completed in two office visits. During the first appointment, we will alter the natural tooth on either side of the space. Any existing decay has also been removed at this time. Once the teeth are prepared, dental impressions are taken. These molds are sent to a dental lab, where a trained technician crafts your custom restoration. In general, this process can take two to four weeks. In the meantime, a temporary bridge will be placed to fill in the gap and protect your natural teeth.
When your dental bridge is complete, we will schedule you for a second visit. During this appointment, the temporary restoration is removed, and the final bridge is bonded into place. To ensure a proper fit, Dr. Harris or Dr. Culpepper will assess your bite and make any necessary adjustments. The result is a complete, attractive, and fully functional smile.
At Harris Dental Clinic in Laurel, MS, we take pride in restoring our patients' smiles and oral health with durable and natural-looking dental bridges. Contact us today at (601) 649-3344 to schedule your dental bridge consultation and take the first step towards regaining your confidence and smile. Request an Appointment Today!
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