Replace missing teeth with dental bridges in Prescott, WI
Many people are under the impression that replacing a missing tooth is purely aesthetic, but there are also health considerations. Missing teeth can add stress to your jaw that can lead to TMJ disorders, as well as cause your teeth to shift around your mouth. Dr. Jay offers patients in the Prescott, WI area dental bridges to restore missing teeth.
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How a dental bridge replaces a missing tooth
Dental bridges are prosthetic teeth that are bonded into place in your mouth. Traditional bridges anchor on two adjacent teeth, but some styles may only attach to one of your teeth. To protect the teeth that attach to the bridge, you will typically need to have dental crowns placed. However, a dental bridge for your front teeth can sometimes attach directly to the back of the neighboring teeth for a more conservative restoration.
Dental implant bridges offer more support for your jaw than traditional bridges, and they can replace several missing teeth in a row. The dental bridge will attach to two implants, and you won’t have to rely on your existing teeth to provide support. They also prevent bone loss in your jaw associated with missing teeth and preserve your face’s natural shape. Dr. Jay will discuss the best options for your case during your initial evaluation.
Placing dental bridges
For traditional bridges, Dr. Jay will need to remove the outer layer of tooth enamel to make space for the crowns and take an impression to send to the dental lab. It typically takes two weeks for the lab to make the crown, and once they are ready, you will come back into the office to check the fit. Dr. Jay will make any adjustments necessary for a comfortable fit and bond the bridge into place.
Dental implants require a longer timeline. The implants are placed by an oral surgeon, and you will need to wait a few months for your mouth to heal. When you come back to the office, Dr. Jay will place abutments and take impressions of your mouth for the dental lab, and once they are ready, he will attach them. Dental bridges can last for over 15 years with proper care, and Dr. Jay will work with you to keep your mouth healthy and prevent further tooth loss. Patients in Prescott, WI, and surrounding areas such as Ellsworth, River Falls, and Hastings, MN, can reach out today at (715) 953-0499 to set up an appointment.
