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Viscount Dental Associates - Location
9398 Viscount Blvd., Suite 3E
El Paso, Texas 79925

Fixed Bridges

If you have missing teeth, you’re well aware of how difficult life can be. Simple day-to-day activities such as eating and even talking can become strenuous. A common way to simply describe these dental health actuators is to say that they “bridge the gap” left behind by missing teeth. At Viscount Dental Associates, we see many patients who have lost teeth due to disease, age, or damage. If you’re suffering from missing teeth, our team of experienced dentists and dental assistants will help restore your smile to its strength and reliability.

How Dental Bridges Fit into Place

Dental bridges are an exciting choice for anyone suffering from missing teeth. Depending on how many teeth are missing, the bridge will either require crowns or implants, known as abutment teeth, on each side of the missing tooth or teeth. These crowns or implants literally anchor the main false tooth—known as the pontic— in the space where the previous tooth went missing.

Since bridges replace missing teeth in your mouth, your ability to chew food and speak properly will be restored! Missing teeth can wreak havoc in your mouth even if the tooth is long gone. That empty space can cause your other teeth to shift out of place. So, by placing a strong pontic in the empty space, you can save the rest of your teeth from facing more issues. Bridges can also significantly improve the shape, alignment and overall function of the mouth. The false tooth is artificially constructed to best match the shape and bite of your existing teeth. Once the dental bridge is where it’s supposed to be, it will be cemented into place. The final results will be magnificent. Your mouth will look and feel as natural as possible!

Whether You’re Replacing One Tooth or Many, Dental Bridges Can Help

One of the greatest aspects of dental bridges is the fact that they can replace one tooth or many teeth! If you only need to replace one missing tooth, the false tooth (pontic) will be attached to two crowns on either side. These crowns will go atop the teeth on either side of the missing tooth space. Your pontic will be sturdy and in place, all while saving the teeth around it from shifting out of place. Once everything is in place, cement will be used to truly solidify the dental bridge.

If more teeth need to be restored, the abutment teeth may be implants, which will require a more profound procedure. This procedure will involve artificial tooth roots and dental implants and crowns. Regardless, these abutment teeth will offer a great, stable support for the artificial replacement tooth.

Caring Tips for Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are a long-lasting option for restoring missing teeth. If taken care of properly, your dental bridges will last well over a decade. They are a great option for those who want to restore missing teeth without having to opt for dental implants. Since bridges make use of the remaining teeth around the missing space left behind, intrusive surgery is not a requirement.

Caring for dental bridges is relatively simple as well. As long as you remember to brush twice per day, floss, and use mouthwash, your bridges will be safe from harm. Since the bridges make use of crowns and artificial teeth, you may need a few tips from your dentist as to how to properly clean the bridges. As always, remember to have regular check-ups in order to avoid any detrimental issues.

After being fitted with dental bridges or crowns, we recommend avoiding any hard food or objects to prevent further damage from occurring.