How Soon After Tooth Extractions to Get A Dental Bridge
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At Bay City Dental Center, Dr. Matthew Ward uses a dental bridge to fill gaps in a patient’s smile. The bridge has two or more crowns that are placed on the abutment of anchoring teeth to fill in the gaps left by missing teeth. The false teeth are supported by natural teeth or dental implants, depending on the patient’s oral health situation. A long-lasting dental bridge is durable. Best of all, it looks and feels like natural teeth. During a consultation in Bay City, MI, Dr. Ward performs a dental exam to determine if you’re a good candidate for a bridge. Our team can explain dental bridge types and determine if it’s best for you to get yours after tooth extraction or at a later date.
When are dental bridges needed?
When you have a missing tooth or teeth in Bay City, MI, it can affect how you bite, chew, or talk. A dental bridge from Bay City Dental Center helps to:
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Restore your smile
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Re-adjust your bite
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Prevent other teeth from shifting, leading to more dental restorations
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Maintain your face shape
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Make it easier to bite or chew again
How long do I have to wait to get a bridge after tooth extraction?
This depends on your oral health situation. After extraction, it’s normal for the gums to be swollen. Dr. Ward usually wants the gums to heal properly before he fits a dental bridge for his patients. It may take 8 –12 weeks for the full healing process to be completed. During your consultation, you can get a better timeline based on your oral health.
How does a dental bridge work?
During your first visit to Bay City Dental Center, Dr. Ward will prepare your abutment teeth. This is done by recontouring your teeth to remove enamel, allowing enough room for your crown. Next, he takes impressions of your teeth, which helps the lab create your custom bridge, pontics, and crowns to match your existing teeth. Next, a temporary bridge is placed that helps protect any exposed teeth or gums. At your second visit, we will remove your temporary, and place and adjust your new bridge. This may require additional visits to ensure that your bridge fits comfortably and is in the right place.
Is a dental bridge permanent?
No, a dental bridge isn’t permanent and needs to be replaced every 5 – 15 years. This will depend on how well you care for it with an efficient at-home oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing. Sometimes your bridge may become damaged or loose. This is usually caused by tooth decay beneath your bridge or from damage to the surrounding teeth. If this occurs, you will need to replace your dental bridge. This decay occurs when a bridge has a poor or loose fit, requiring Dr. Ward to make adjustments so that it fits snugly.
Learn how a dental bridge fixes a smile
At Bay City Dental Center, Dr. Matthew Ward works hard to help his Bay City, Saginaw, and Midland, MI patients to improve the appearance and function of their smiles. Dental bridges can effectively replace missing teeth. To learn if you’re a candidate for a dental bridge and to schedule a consultation at our Bay City, MI office, call our professional dental team today.