Dental Bridges in Berkeley Heights, NJ
There are several ways that teeth can be lost. Whether due to an injury, tooth decay, or other reason, James L Berkeley DMD can provide a comfortable and effective tooth replacement. A dental bridge is one option available to help patients in Berkeley Heights, NJ, restore both the function and appearance of their smile.
What are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a prosthetic made up of an artificial tooth (or teeth), called the pontic, that is anchored to abutment teeth that neighbor the gap left by the lost teeth. While dentures are used when an entire line of teeth have been lost, if most of the teeth remain, a dental bridge can be placed.
Bridges can be made from several different materials, such as gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. The type of bridge used for your case will depend on the location of your missing tooth or teeth and how many teeth remain nearby.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
When teeth are lost, the result is not only inconvenient, but there may also be effects on oral health. The remaining teeth may start to change position, moving into the empty space left by the lost teeth. This can eventually result in a change in a patient’s bite and may then affect the shape of the face. Placing a bridge prevents this from happening.
How are Bridges Placed?
It will take two visits to our dental office near you in Berkeley Heights, NJ, to have a dental bridge created and placed. Your first visit will be for having the abutment teeth prepared and taking impressions to have the bridge created. To prepare the abutment teeth, your dentist at James L Berkeley DMD will remove a small amount of tooth structure. An impression will then be taken of the prepared teeth and the gap. A temporary bridge will be placed to keep the prepared area safe until the permanent bridge is completed.
During your second visit, the temporary bridge will be removed, and the permanent bridge will be cemented into place. Your dentist will make adjustments as needed to the bridge in order to ensure that you enjoy a comfortable and secure fit to have the function and appearance restored to your smile.
