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If you are missing a tooth, you may not want to smile as much. You may not even be able to chew correctly, as the gap could make eating things difficult. In fact, a gap between your teeth may even affect issues from how you speak to gum disease to tooth decay. So, what can you do? One thing that can be done by your Mansfield, TX, dentists is to fit you with a dental bridge to help close the gap.

What Is It And What Kinds Are There?

A pontic is defined as a false tooth. That is basically what a dental bridge is, and it is held in place by teeth on either side of the gap. There are four types of bridges. 

  • Traditional — When you have natural teeth on sides of the gap to hold it in place, this is the type of bridge that is most often used. 
  • Cantilever — Similar to a traditional bridge, this one uses a dental crown to bond to just one natural tooth instead of two.
  • Maryland — Like the traditional type, this one needs two natural teeth on the sides of the gap. But it bonds to the back of those teeth with a porcelain or metal framework.
  • Implant-supported — Dental implants are used to hold the bridge in place instead of frameworks or crowns. Two visits are usually required for this treatment. 

What You Can Expect When You Have The Treatment Done

When Dr. Jones or Dr. Harris determine that a dental bridge is the correct course of action, the process for treatment will begin. Your teeth will be prepared by having the adjacent teeth, also called the abutment teeth, recontoured. This helps with having dental crowns placed on them. Next, impressions of your teeth are made so that the lab can use them to model and make the bridge, crowns, and pontic. A temporary bridge will be provided while the lab is working. Once the lab sends back its results, you will come in, we will remove the temporary bridge, and then bond your custom-designed bridge in place. Follow-up appointments will allow us to check on how it is functioning and make any necessary adjustments. 

Living With Them

As mentioned, when you have a tooth that is missing, it can be difficult to speak well, chew your food properly, or even have the confidence to smile. A dental bridge treatment, though, is done to help with those issues. They should last up to 15 years if you take care of them by brushing twice a day and flossing daily, as well as scheduling regular checkups and cleanings with us. 

Schedule An Appointment With Us 

If you have lost a tooth, we want to help you regain your complete smile with a dental bridge treatment. If you would like to schedule a consultation, then call Mansfield Dental Associates at 817-473-6227.