Black Jack, MO

Dental Bridges in Black Jack, MO

Dental bridges in Black Jack, MO. When gaps in your teeth are affecting your self-esteem and how speak and chew, dental bridges could be your answer. Dental bridges are a specialty within cosmetic dentistry where prosthetic crowns are placed over a gap in your tooth. They help you regain function and appearance if you’ve experienced the loss of a tooth. Dental bridges must be custom-fitted, and they return your smile and jaw health back to their original form. Plaza Dental Center can help you decide if dental bridges are right for you. Call Plaza today at (314)-361-1818 or contact us online. Be proud of your smile again.

How Do Dental Bridges Work?

No matter why you have a gap in your teeth, your other teeth can shift to compensate for the loss in your bite. This can cause other complications for your gum health and teeth. A good way to remedy this is to have dental bridges that literally bridge the gap between your natural teeth. When you go for a dental bridge, your Black Jack, MO dentist will cement caps on the teeth adjacent to the gap, referred to as abutment teeth. These crowns act as the anchor for the “bridge” that covers over the gap in your teeth. Dental bridges can be made from several different materials:

• Porcelain — Porcelain is a favorite among many as it it can be painted to match the color of your natural teeth. Porcelain is also resistant to stains and is durable.
• Alloy — Metal dental bridges are made from alloys that are strong and durable. They are often used for back teeth that require to be more durable for eating.
• Composite resin — Composite resin is a tooth-colored material that is bonded to the existing teeth to offer more support. It is not as durable as other materials but can be used for front teeth as they don’t need to be as resilient.
• Zirconia — Zirconia has recently started being used for dental bridges, and it’s strong and has a natural look. It is often used for both front and back teeth.
• Gold — These dental bridges do not suffer wear and tear as much as other bridges. Gold dental bridges are kinder to the gingival tissue as they have an antibacterial effect.

Types of Dental Bridges in Black Jack, MO

While dental bridges are a frequently-requested solution to dental problems such as tooth loss, different mouths require different approaches. Your Black Jack, MO dentist will be able to tell you which type is best for you. There are four chief categories of dental bridges:

• Traditional dental bridges — This type of bridge involves creating a cap for the teeth on either side of the missing tooth, with a pontic (a false tooth) in between. This is the most common type of dental bridge and is best when there are natural teeth on both sides of the gap.
• Cantilever dental bridges — These are similar to traditional bridges, with the exception that the bridge is connected to only one abutment tooth instead of two.
• Maryland dental bridges — These involving placing wings on each side of the back of the artificial tooth and bonding them to the abutment teeth. These are especially useful when you are trying to replace one of your front teeth.
• Implant-supported dental bridges — Rather than being supported by natural teeth, implant-supported bridges are anchored by dental implants, which are titanium screws that fuse with your jawbone after being surgically implanted. Implant-supported bridges are most often used when you have more than one missing teeth next to each other. This is a longer lasting solution for missing teeth but requires healthy gums and sufficient bone density to support the implants.

The type of dental bridge best for you will depend on where in your mouth the gaps in the teeth are and any other dental work your mouth may need. If you’d like to discuss what type may be best for you, schedule an appointment online to ask with a professional Black Jack, MO dentist.

Procedure for Getting a Dental Bridge in Black Jack, MO

Getting a dental bridge usually involves several steps and may require multiple visits to your Black Jack, MO dentist. Below is the usual procedure in Black Jack, MO:

• First consultation at the dentist’s office — Your dentist will evaluate your dental health and ascertain if a dental bridge is the best option for you. They will also discuss the various types of dental bridges and which might be best for you.
• Preparation of the teeth for the bridge — If your dentist recommended a traditional or cantilever bridge, the tooth or teeth to the side of the gap will need to be prepared by removing some of the enamel and dentin. This is done to make room for the dental crowns that will be placed over the teeth to anchor the bridge.
• Impression of the teeth — Your dentist will then make an impression of your tooth. We’ll then send that impression to a dental laboratory, where the bridge is custom-made to fit your mouth.
• Temporary bridge — Your Black Jack, MO dentist may fit you with a temporary bridge to give you form and function while you wait for your unique bridge. This will help protect your mouth until your permanent bridge is ready.
• Fitting and adjustment of the bridge — When you’re permanent bridge arrives, it will be implanted by your dentist, and adjusted as needed. The dentist will make adjustments to ensure that the bridge fits nicely into your teeth and gums.
• Follow-up appointments and care — After your dental bridge is placed, you will need to return to your dentist for follow-up appointments to ensure that the bridge is functioning properly and your gums and teeth are healthy.

At Plaza Dental Center in Black Jack, MO, we understand that not everyone loves being in the dentists’ chair, especially for multiple procedures and appointments. That’s why Dr. Joseph Cutrona is especially interested in breaking down barriers and getting apprehensive Black Jack, MO patients the great dental care they need. Whatever your comfort level at the dentist is, we can help.

Benefits of Dental Bridges in Black Jack, MO

When dental bridges are installed by a professional and experienced Black Jack, MO dentist, the natural form and function of your teeth will return. There are several benefits to this:

• Better oral health — Dental bridges can help maintain the natural shape of your face. When there’s a gap in your teeth, the remaining teeth can shift out of place, causing problems with your bite and leading to gum disease and tooth decay.
• Better appearance — Dental bridges offer a smile makeover that can bring back your confidence. They look exactly like your natural teeth, so no one will be able to notice the difference.
• Better ability to eat and talk — Dental bridges can improve your ability to chew and speak properly. When in there are gaps in your teeth, chewing can be challenging, which can lead to digestive issues. Dental bridges can help you regain your ability to chew and speak normally, making it easier to enjoy your favorite foods and reducing problems you may have had with speech.
• Preventing further damage to your natural teeth — Dental bridges can help your teeth and gums remain strong by distributing the pressure evenly. When you have gaps between your teeth, your existing teeth have to bear more weight when you chew and speak. This can lead to broken teeth like cracks or even entire fractures. Dental bridges distribute the pressure evenly around your teeth.

Taking Care of Your Dental Bridges

With proper oral hygiene, most dental bridges won’t need to be replaced 10 years or more. However, inadequate oral hygiene could lead you to need a replacement after just a few short years. Keeping good care of your dental bridges is important to make sure the benefits don’t go away. Much of the care needed is keeping your natural teeth healthy and strong so they are durable enough to anchor the bridge. The following are some tips for making sure your bridges in Black Jack, MO last as long as possible:

• Brush and floss consistently — You should brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day. Make sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Use a floss threader or interdental brush to clean out the plaque and bacteria under the bridge and between the teeth.
• Use a fluoride mouthwash — Fluoride mouthwash is the most successful at preventing tooth decay.
• Avoid sticky and hard foods — It’s best to avoid eating sticky or hard foods that can cause harm to your dental bridges. This includes chewy candies, hard nuts, and ice.
• Don’t forget your biannual dental appointments — As with anyone else, you should have dental examinations and cleanings and polishings every six months. Your dentist will be able to check the condition of your dental bridges and make any necessary adjustments.
• Consider a nightguard — If you grind or clench your teeth when you go to bed, you may need a nightguard to protect your dental bridges and natural teeth from damage.

By following these tips, you can help ensure the longevity and functionality of your dental bridges.

Contact Plaza Dental Center for Your Dental Bridges in Black Jack, MO

Missing teeth can affect how your mouth feels, looks, and functions. Fortunately, dental bridges are a proven solution no matter how many teeth are missing. If you want to get your functional and pearly white smile back, Plaza Dental Center in Black Jack, MO is standing by. Call us today at (314)-361-1818 or schedule an appointment online for your dental bridges in Black Jack, MO.