Dental Bridges are specialized prosthetics that “bridge” a gap caused by a missing tooth or missing teeth. The dental bridge itself is held in place by two anchors on either side of the gap. These anchors may be your natural teeth or they may be dental implants.
It is important to choose the right dentist when you are faced with missing or damaged teeth. You want to find someone who has the right blend of experience and chair-side manner, and you want to be sure that the dentist you choose has the right type of technology at their fingertips. Dr. Kevin Khorshid is a proven leader in Las Vegas dental bridges, and the staff at ABC Dental Care is known for their ability to put patients at ease.
Why Choose A Dental Bridge?
Only your dentist can determine if dental bridges are the right treatment for missing or seriously damaged teeth. Your teeth are as unique as you are, so Dr. Khorshid makes individual determinations based on a thorough dental exam in his Las Vegas office. Missing teeth can cause a great deal of self-consciousness and embarrassment, and Dr. Khorshid understands this. He custom builds each and every set of dental bridges to match your existing teeth and improve your overall oral health.
Sometimes patients avoid having one tooth replaced because they think it’s no big deal, especially if that tooth is in the back of the mouth. However, a missing tooth can actually cause physical damage to the jaw and to the remaining teeth. When a tooth falls out or is knocked out by accident, the bone and tissue of the jaw immediately begin to shrink. This not only alters the shape of the face but also causes remaining teeth to work harder. This leads to further decay, gum disease, and crooked teeth. This drift in the jawbone also affects your ability to chew with the proper amount of force and can affect the way you sound when you talk. You may not be able to see the missing tooth, but you can usually hear it. This is where dental bridges come into play.
Dental Bridges anchor the remaining teeth into place with the help of your natural teeth, or in some cases dental implants, which are replacement tooth roots. Inserted directly into the jaw, they stop bone loss and shifting of teeth. They restore your ability to chew, your ability to speak and restore your smile.
Dental Bridge Types
Dr. Khorshid, an expert in dental bridges in Las Vegas, will make a determination about what type of bridge is best based on the placement and strength of your surrounding teeth and jaw. The types of bridges he may choose include:
- Traditional – This type of bridge is held in place using dental crowns. These crowns are called pontics and they may be held in place by a natural tooth or dental implants that replace your natural teeth. Traditional dental bridges are made of porcelain or ceramic fused to metal.
- Cantilever – A common dental bridge that is used when a traditional dental bridge can’t be placed because there is only one tooth adjacent to the gap. There are usually two crowns involved but the abutment crowns are placed next to each other, with the pontic placed on the end.
- Maryland – These are sometimes referred to as resin bonded dental bridges, but they are affectionately known as “Maryland” bridges because they were invented at the University of Maryland. Plastic teeth and gums are created and attached to metal “wings.” Those wings are then bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth.
How Are Dental Bridges Placed?
Dr. Kevin and his staff will first make your abutment teeth ready for the crowns that will hold the bridge in place. They will then take impressions of your mouth. From these impressions, your custom dental bridge will be built to match the color, shape, and size of your teeth. While the lab creates the bridge, Dr. Khorshid will fit you with a temporary dental bridge so that your abutment teeth are protected and your gap can be temporarily covered up.
Once your custom dental bridge is ready, you will come back to the office to have it fitted and cemented into place.
The Durability Of Dental Bridges
Dental Bridges can last 20 years if they are properly cared for. The biggest reason a bridge needs to be replaced is patient neglect. Brush and floss twice per day and visit Dr. Khorshid every six months for regular checkups. Even though bridges are strong, you shouldn’t chew very hard or very sticky foods on your bridge. You should immediately report any cracks, breaks or unusual discomfort to Dr. Kevin so that he can repair your dental bridge as needed. Dr. Khorshid so that he can repair your dental bridge as needed.