Dental Bridges explained by a dentist from SE1 in London

Dental Bridges explained by a dentist from SE1 in London

07 / 03 / 2010

A dentist from SE1 in London explaining the procedure and the definition of a Dental Bridge, says that it is quite a simple procedure to perform. A Dental Bridge is exactly what it appears to be, a bridge that covers an area of the teeth line to join a gap. The gap is usually cause by the extraction of a bad or damaged tooth, the false tooth is made up and attached to two other false teeth either side. The two teeth either side of the gap are ground down to facilitate the side teeth and literally rest on top of them, the replaced tooth then fills the gap. They are known as a Pontic from the French and Latin word for a bridge. The procedure is quite simple and is usually pain and discomfort free, albeit the patient will need a little time to get used to the new tooth. The bridge helps to fill gaps where food and bacteria can accumulate and cause gum disease, it also assists in cases where the smile and even the face may be distorted due to a missing tooth. This is a preventative method of dental care as opposed to a purely cosmetic one, and it is essential in all cases of missing teeth to prevent other problems occurring later on. The most common type of Dental Bridges in use is the fixed bridge, which consists of a metal base covered in a porcelain coating and fixed permanently to the line of teeth with a cement solution. Other types are made of plastic and are again fitted using an invisible solution of resin, this includes the Maryland Bridge. The other common type is a Cantilever Bridge which is used when there is only one tooth available to anchor to.