A Look at Dental Bridges

A Look at Dental Bridges
Missing teeth are not only a source of embarrassment for many people, they can also cause
pain, discomfort, bite alignment issues, bad breath and more. Thankfully, they’re a cosmetic
issue that can be repaired and dental bridges are one of the most common and effective fixes
for missing teeth.
Dental Bridges Offer Many Benefits
Dental bridges are basically replacement teeth that help restore missing teeth. They come in
four major types: Traditional (the most common type), Implant Supported Bridges, Cantilever
and Maryland. The type used typically depends on the level of breakage or damage and the
dentist’s examination. But no matter the type of bridge you receive, they’re all designed to
replace missing teeth and provide a uniform smile. They can also resolve issues with your bite
or jaw alignment, chewing and even speech. Bridges are also safe for adults and children.
What Happens During the Placement Procedure
Your dentist will first take measurements of your mouth and teeth because dental bridges are
custom-made. The dental laboratory uses a mold of your mouth to create a dental bridge, and
because of this process, dental bridge placement is a two-part procedure.
The creation of the bridge usually takes about a week. To protect the teeth surrounding the
area and prepare the anchor teeth, temporary crowns may be placed. Once the bridge is
prepared, the crowns are removed (if necessary) and the bridge is placed.
Fortunately, dental bridge placement isn’t a surgical procedure, which means you can be awake
during the procedure. You may, however, be mildly sedated, and of course, an anesthetic will
be applied to your gums. Before the procedure, a topical numbing jelly is applied before a local
anesthetic is injected into the gums.
What Happens After the Placement Procedure
After the procedure, there may be soreness in your jaw caused by having your mouth open for
the course of the procedure. This soreness can be relieved by ice or over-the-counter pain
medications. Recovery time is typically short, with most patients returning to normal eating and
speaking within a day or two, and you should have little trouble adapting to a bridge. If you
don’t adapt to your bridge soon after it's placed, it may need to be adjusted.

If you would like to learn more about replacing missing teeth with a bridge, contact us to book
an appointment with a family dentist. Edmonton and area families visit Bennett Dental for a
full range of dental services, including bridges.