Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a device our Indianapolis dentists use to fill the space where a tooth has fallen out or been removed. Traditional dental bridges consist of two crowns attached to the anchoring teeth (called abutments) and one pontic (an artificial tooth) that fills in the gap created by the missing tooth.
Why is a dental bridge necessary? Spaces left by missing teeth affect the rest of your smile. Without a dental bridge, these gaps can potentially lead to chewing problems, shifting teeth, a poor bite, and potential tooth decay and gum disease. If left untreated, your missing teeth could bring you back to our Indianapolis dental office more times than you would like.
To avoid such problems caused by missing teeth, you can set up a consultation appointment at Ley Dentistry of Indianapolis. Dr. Ley or Dr. Springer will help you decide whether a dental bridge is the best course of action for your missing tooth or teeth.
If you proceed with a dental bridge, here’s what you can expect from start to finish:
- A dental bridge procedure typically takes two or more visits. However, it may be more if you have more than one gap that requires a tooth bridge.
- During your first dental bridge appointment at our Indianapolis-based office, our dental staff will prepare your two anchoring teeth for the bridge. Next, we will take a precise impression of your teeth to send to the dental laboratory that will create your unique dental bridge. Until your permanent dental bridge is in place, you may need to wear a temporary tooth bridge until your next dental visit.
- At your second appointment, we will place your permanent dental bridge after carefully checking it for durability and fitting it to your mouth. Our Indianapolis staff will then cement the permanent dental bridge in place and give you careful instructions for the care and use of your new dental bridge.
All in all, a dental bridge is a great solution for safeguarding the integrity of your existing teeth and helping you maintain a healthy, vibrant smile. Call our Carmel or Indianapolis location during normal business hours to set up an appointment to discuss dental bridges.
