Crystal River Family Dentistry  offers our patients dental bridges to replace any missing teeth. Missing teeth must be replaced because teeth function together and need each other. When one is gone, the force placed on the teeth on either side increase dramatically. This results in tooth movement, changing bite, instability, loosening teeth, and increased periodontal disease.

A bridge can help you restore your smile and maintain the shape of your face. It also relieves stress on your bite, allowing you to better chew your food and speak. Our practice offers three types of bridges, and your dentist will discuss with you which option best fits your needs.

The most popular type of bridge is a traditional bridge made from porcelain or ceramic bonded to metal. Your dentist will make a crown for the teeth on either side of the missing tooth with a false tooth between them. Most people feel like they never lost a tooth. A cantilever bridge is used when the missing tooth does not have two teeth on either of its sides. Finally, removable bridges are made with a metal frame. The false tooth is bonded to a prosthesis which is supported by your remaining teeth and gums.

Getting a dental bridge can take a couple visits. During your first visit, your Crystal River Family Dentistry dentist prepares the adjacent teeth for the bridge. We will take an impression of your teeth and send them to our hand selected lab where the bridge will be carefully made. Crystal River Family Dentistry provides our patients with a temporary bridge to wear while their permanent one is being made. During your next appointment, your Crystal River Family Dentistry dentist will remove the temporary bridge, place your new bridge, and check that everything fits as it should.

You should treat your permanent dental bridge like you treat your permanent teeth. It should be brushed and flossed twice a day, and clean in between your bridge and supporting teeth. Regular cleanings are a must to make sure the bridge is in tip top shape. Early detection of any issues is essential to maintaining your new bridge for a long time. Proper home care is very important to reduce decay, inflammation of your gums, and will keep your bridge in top condition for years to come.

Call 352-794-6139 today and schedule an appointment to learn more about whether bridges are right for you.