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Dental Bridges Calgary, AB

Dental Bridges An Overview

A dental bridge can restore function and aesthetics when one or several consecutive teeth are missing. Traditionally a dental bridge was a removable oral appliance. However, today’s patients can enjoy the benefits of a fixed bridge that is permanently secured using dental implants or natural teeth strengthened by dental crowns. A dental bridge can be designed and placed in 2-3 visits with Dr. Chahal at Foothills Dentistry in Calgary. Visit our friendly restorative dentistry for your dental needs.

Replacing your missing teeth with a dental bridge will support your long-term dental health and your best quality of life. Dr. Chahal works with patients who have missing teeth to re-establish a healthy, comfortable and functional smile through personalized treatment.

Dental Bridge vs Dental Implant: What to consider

Dental bridges in Calgary Alberta CanadaWhen it comes to replacing a single tooth, a dental bridge or a dental implant remain the common options for most patients. Dr. Chahal will provide a recommendation based upon her exam and your overall needs, but there are several important points to consider when weighing the options.

  • Stable and permanent solution: a dental implant is secure and permanent, replacing your lost tooth with natural function and aesthetics.
  • Minimizes changes in the jaw: by replacing the tooth root structure, a dental implant supports and stabilizes jaw bone tissue where the lost tooth was located, minimizing bone loss and shrinkage of the jaw.
  • Cost and time investment: initially a dental implant will most likely be more costly and time-consuming. However, in the long run a permanent solution that will remain as stable as a natural tooth and restore the most natural chewing function and speech. Dental implant treatment will also take longer to complete. However, it requires healing time which makes it more durable and stable.

Dental Bridges What to Expect

The process for placing a dental bridge will depend on your need for pre-treatment preparation. The process is also significantly different if you choose to anchor the bridge with dental implants. In that case, the surgical placement of the implant posts will take place first. This is then followed by a healing period of several months. During that time, your dentist will fit you for a temporary bridge. It will restore function and aesthetics. Then your dentist will secure the final restoration once tissues have healed.

If you choose to use your natural teeth to anchor the bridge, the first step is to prepare the abutment teeth. Your dentist will prepare them the same way they prepare teeth for dental crowns. This will help better support the appliance.

Dr. Chahal will take impressions of your teeth and mouth after any necessary tooth extractions or preparation of anchor teeth is complete. A dental lab will use them to design your custom dental bridge.

Throughout the process, your comfort is one of our primary concerns and we will discuss your needs before any part of the treatment to ensure you feel relaxed and confident in your care. Most patients are kept comfortable with local anesthetics when necessary, but we offer sedation options for anxious patients or during the placement of a dental implant.

Dental Bridges FAQs

What dental issues do dental bridges help with most often?

Dental bridges are most commonly used if a patient is missing a tooth, multiple teeth in a row, or has gum disease. Dental bridges are placed in between two natural teeth and attached on either side to them. If you are missing any teeth or have a gap that has two strong natural teeth surrounding it a dental bridge may be a good choice to close the gap.

What at home care should I practice with dental bridges?

Dental bridges are made to feel and act like natural teeth. Patients should treat bridges the same as they would the rest of their teeth. Brushing your teeth and bridges twice a day and flossing at least once is highly recommended. Bridges cannot be removed from your mouth, so care for them is the same as patients are told to care for their natural teeth.

How Long Does It Take to Adjust to Dental bridges?

On average, most patients report that it took them anywhere from 1-3 weeks to get used to the feeling of their new bridge. This includes adjusting to eating, drinking, and speaking comfortably and without any restrictions. Usually after the first couple of days after getting dental ridges patients begin to adjust .

Do dental bridges affect your diet?

With a dental bridge most patients can return their normal diet a few days after the procedure. Some foods are known to put patients at a higher risk for issues post procedure, so dentists will recommend that patients stick to soft foods for the first couple of days after. They will also tell patients foods to avoid which include anything hard or chewy like candy, and drinks such as soda, coffee, and wine.