Dental bridges fill in the missing space where a tooth has been removed or lost. Dental bridges are generally made up of two crowns and a false tooth called a
pontic. The pontic is the false tooth that goes where the missing tooth once was.
Unlike
dental implants that are inserted into your gum and bone to hold a fake tooth, the pontic is held in place by two crowns that are placed on the teeth on either side of the pontic. The row that includes the pontic and crowns are what make up the “bridge.”
Bridges can help correct a number of issues including:
Restoring your smile
The ability to speak and chew properly
Keeping your other teeth from shifting out of their proper position
Properly redistributing the force of your bite
It is important to continue good oral hygiene habits to keep the rest of your teeth healthy and functional.
Brushing and
flossing twice per day, as well as using mouthwash, can help prevent tooth decay. You should also continue regular trips to the dentist for a professional cleaning and to make sure there are no issues.
Are you interested in learning more about dental bridges?