Have you ever wondered how long it takes to get a dental bridge? It can be a lengthy process as it involves careful preparation and the application of the bridge itself.
In this article, we will explore the timeline of getting a dental bridge, from preparation to post-fitting follow-up.
Uncover the mystery of the dental bridge timeline and learn how to care for your bridge to ensure it lasts for years.
Understanding the Dental Bridge Procedure
The dental bridge procedure involves the replacement of missing teeth with artificial substitutes. This permanent bridge is custom-made for each patient to fit the existing oral health structure. Dental bridges are often recommended when a patient is missing teeth and requires a permanent tooth to restore their smile.
The process starts with a consultation with a dentist to evaluate the dental treatment options available. Then, the patient will receive a dental bridge that consists of a crown on each side of the missing tooth and an artificial tooth in the middle. Dental crowns are used to support the bridge and provide a strong foundation for the artificial tooth. Alternatively, dental implants can also be used as a foundation for the bridge.
Dental bridges are a great solution for restoring oral health and an attractive smile. They are a long-lasting solution and require minimal maintenance. With proper care, a dental bridge can last up to 15 years.
Preparing For the Procedure
Prior to the procedure, certain preparations must be made. To begin, a dentist will perform a thorough examination of the patient’s oral health, paying special attention to the natural teeth, gums, and adjacent teeth where the temporary bridge or false tooth will be placed. The dentist will also determine the type of bridge that is most suitable for the patient, which could be a cantilever bridge, conventional bridge, or other type. If the patient has not had any extractions, the dentist may suggest extracting the abutment teeth to make room for the bridge.
Once the preparations are complete, the patient should practice good oral hygiene to ensure the area is free from infection. Additionally, the dentist will use dental cement to secure the bridge onto the adjacent teeth. In some cases, a temporary bridge is used to cover the area while the permanent bridge is being made.
On average, the entire process can take anywhere from two to six weeks, depending on the complexity of the bridge and the patient’s oral health.
The Dental Bridge Application Process
Once the preparations are complete, the bridge application process begins. Traditional bridges involve replacement teeth, known as pontics, that are held in place by porcelain wings that are attached to the adjacent teeth. Resin-bonded bridges use metal or porcelain wings to hold the pontics in place. Implant-supported bridges use dental implants to support the pontics. Each of these types of bridges requires proper care to ensure a successful outcome.
The dental bridge process begins with the placement of the bridge. This is followed by the placement of the pontics and the wings. The bridge is then tested to ensure that it fits properly and is comfortable. After this, the bridge is adjusted and polished for a natural look and feel.
Once the bridge is placed, proper care is essential to maintain its longevity. Patients should avoid sticky foods and practice proper oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing twice a day. Additionally, they should visit their dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings to help ensure the bridge stays in good condition.
Waiting for the Dental Bridge to Be Fitted
After the bridge is placed, it must be fitted to the patient’s mouth. The process of fitting a dental bridge typically involves several visits to the dentist. During these visits, the dentist will assess the patient’s oral health, such as the presence of tooth decay or gum disease, and any root canals that may have been completed prior to the bridge placement. The dentist will then create a custom treatment plan for the patient that is tailored to their individual needs.
The treatment plan will likely include the installation of a bridge, which is an alternative to dentures and is typically used to replace a single lost tooth or multiple teeth that are adjacent to one another. Bridges are typically anchored to the anchor teeth, which are the teeth located on either side of the lost tooth. During the fitting process, the dentist will adjust the bridge to ensure it fits properly in the patient’s mouth and that the anchor teeth are properly supporting the bridge.
Patients who have had a bridge fitted may require regular visits to the dentist to ensure the bridge is properly maintained. The dentist may make additional adjustments to the bridge, if necessary, to ensure it continues to fit the patient’s mouth comfortably. With proper care and regular visits to the dentist, patients can expect their dental bridge to last for many years.
Post-Fitting Follow-Up
Regular visits to the dentist are necessary to ensure the proper maintenance of a dental bridge. After the initial consultation, the dentist will have prepared the teeth to receive the bridge and will have created a custom bridge made of either porcelain or gold. During the process, some tooth extractions may be necessary and performed by experienced and friendly dentists.
To ensure a healthy and long-lasting bridge, these post-fitting follow-up visits are required to check the bridge is firmly in place and the adjacent teeth are in excellent condition:
- Oral Care:
- Regular examinations
- Cleanings
- X-rays
- Maintenance
With regular visits and proper maintenance, a dental bridge can provide an excellent solution to a missing tooth for many years. Experienced and friendly dentists can help guide you through the process, from the initial consultation to the post-fitting follow-up visits. Ultimately, this will ensure that you have healthy teeth and a beautiful, long-lasting bridge.
Taking Care of Your Dental Bridge
Having addressed the follow-up measures to take after fitting the dental bridge, it is now time to focus on how to care for it.
A dental bridge is a prosthetic device that is custom-made to replace one or more missing teeth, and it is typically made from ceramic material or porcelain fused to metal. The type of bridge that is chosen will depend on the extent of the tooth loss and the location of the bridge. When it comes to bridge procedures, it is important to note that bridge services can range from ceramic bridges to implant-supported dental bridges.
In order to ensure that the replacement bridge is properly cared for, it is important to consider the following: flossing and brushing regularly, as well as visiting the dentist for regular checkups. This is important in order to make sure that the bridge is kept clean and that any potential problems are immediately addressed. Additionally, the benefit of bridges includes restoring the appearance of the smile, as well as restoring the ability to chew and speak.
When it comes to bridge costs, it is important to note that the cost of a dental bridge will depend on the type of bridge that is chosen. Although there are upfront costs associated with the bridge, the long-term benefit of having a bridge to replace missing teeth is worth the investment. Taking care of the bridge properly will not only ensure that the bridge lasts for a long time but will also help to maximize its benefit.
Key Takeaways
Completing the dental bridge procedure can be a lengthy and laborious process. From preparation to post-fitting follow-up, the journey to a fully-fitted dental bridge requires patience, persistence, and proper care.
However, if adhered to, the arduous adventure can be a rewarding experience, as the end result can be a radiant, restored smile.
Those willing to walk the winding road of the dental bridge process will be rewarded with a gleaming grin, a gratifying token of their journey.
Key Takeaways
If you are considering a dental bridge and are looking for a reliable and experienced team to help you achieve your desired results, then look no further than Dentists at Coorparoo. At our convenient location in Coorparoo, QLD, we provide the highest quality of care and attention to create the perfect dental bridge for each client. So, if you’re seeking a dependable and knowledgeable team to help you complete the dental bridge process, contact us today!
