Client: Dr. Michael Iott
Copyright 2008 Dr. Michael Iott
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is created to replace one or more missing teeth. Bridges can be supported in a couple of different ways depending on the individual circumstances of the patient. These include:
� By the patient's natural teeth
� By a combination of natural teeth and implants
� By implants alone
Traditionally, a bridge is made by placing a crown on each tooth surrounding the open space and an artificial tooth in the space. The teeth are then fused together and a bridge is created across their surfaces. In some cases, the natural teeth on either side may need root canal treatments. If these teeth are healthy, they will be spared the extra root canal work and will just be prepared for placing the crowns.
There are different types of bridges used depending on the dentist's preferences and the patient's needs and requests. Some of these include:
� Porcelain fused with metal
� Porcelain
� Cantilever
� Maryland
� Bonded
Dental bridges generally last approximately five years, but can last much longer if the patient practices good oral hygiene. Caring for your bridge is essential to the bridge itself, as well as the teeth that support it. A healthy mouth is important to maintain all of your natural teeth and any dental work that you have received.
It is important throughout your life to practice good oral hygiene. We are taught from childhood to brush twice a day and floss every night. This holds true for children and adults. Sometimes you just cannot avoid needing extra dental work. But, the more care you take to keep your teeth and gums in good shape, the better the results will be if you do happen to need dental work later in life. To learn more about dental bridges and good oral hygiene, please contact the dental offices of Dr. Michael Iott and Associates to schedule an appointment.