Restore Your Smile With Our Tacoma Dentist
Are you missing teeth and seeking a reliable solution to restore your smile and confidence? At Petrie Advanced Dental, our Tacoma, WA, dentist offers dental bridges to replace missing teeth and improve your oral health.
Call our Tacoma dental office at (253) 761-5422 today to schedule your consultation. We proudly serve patients from Lakewood, Federal Way, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, and University Place.
How the Dental Bridge Procedure Works
Dental bridges effectively replace missing teeth by bridging the gap with an artificial tooth (pontic) anchored to adjacent natural teeth (abutments). The bridge procedure includes consultation, evaluating oral health, reshaping abutment teeth, placing a temporary bridge, fitting the permanent bridge, and a follow-up appointment.
Components of a Dental Bridge
A dental bridge consists of these key components:
- Pontic: The artificial tooth or teeth that replace missing teeth. Made from materials like porcelain, gold, or alloys, pontics fill the gap in your smile.
- Abutment Teeth: These are the natural teeth or dental implants adjacent to the gap, supporting the bridge. Natural teeth may be reshaped to fit the bridge.
- Retainers or Dental Crowns: Fixed onto abutment teeth, they secure the pontic. These can be full crowns or partial coverage like inlays or onlays.
- Connectors: These join the pontic to the retainers, either rigid or non-rigid, depending on the bridge design.
- Framework: Provides strength and support, often made of metal or porcelain, in some types of dental bridges.
The Dental Bridge Process at Our Tacoma, WA, Dental Office
1. Consultation and Evaluation
The first step in the dental bridge process is a consultation with our Tacoma dentist. During this appointment, Dr. Arvind Petrie will evaluate your oral health, including your teeth and gums, and discuss your options for replacing missing teeth. They may also take digital X-rays and impressions of your existing teeth to create a model of your mouth, ensuring your custom bridge is a perfect fit.
At this appointment, they’ll also recommend the best dental bridge type. They may recommend a traditional dental bridge, implant-supported bridges, or another option.
2. Preparing Abutment Teeth and Placing a Temporary Bridge
To create space for the bridge, Dr. Petrie will reshape the abutment teeth, removing a small amount of enamel. Next, we’ll take a second dental impression to design your custom bridge. While waiting for the dental laboratory to craft your final restoration, we’ll place a temporary bridge to protect the prepared teeth and maintain function.
3. Fitting and Placement
Once your permanent bridge is ready, Dr. Petrie will remove the temporary bridge and carefully fit the new one. Using durable dental cement, the bridge is secured in place. Our goal is a precise fit that feels natural and comfortable.
4. Follow-Up Appointment
We’ll check the fit and function of your bridge during a follow-up visit. Dr. Petrie will also provide tips on maintaining your oral health and keeping the bridge in place for years to come.
Post-Procedure Care Tips
Your new dental bridge requires proper care to stay in great condition:
- Brush and floss daily: Focus on cleaning under the bridge and around abutment teeth.
- Visit your dentist regularly: Routine check-ups ensure the bridge and surrounding teeth remain healthy.
- Eat carefully: Avoid sticky or hard foods, especially in the first few weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any potential risks or complications associated with getting a dental bridge?
Dental bridges are typically safe, but some risks include sensitivity, discomfort, or gum irritation. Rarely, allergic reactions to bridge materials can occur. Following your dentist’s aftercare instructions is crucial to reduce these risks.
Will the dental bridge procedure be painful?
Most patients report minimal discomfort during the dental bridge procedure. Local anesthesia ensures the procedure is pain-free, and any post-procedure sensitivity typically subsides within a few days.
Replace Missing Teeth With a Dental Bridge in Tacoma, WA
Ready to restore your smile? Call Petrie Advanced Dental today at (253) 761-5422 to schedule your appointment and see how our dental bridges replace missing teeth.
Dr. Petrie and our experienced team will guide you through the process, creating a custom solution that fits your dental needs. We’re proud to serve patients in Tacoma, Lakewood, Federal Way, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, and University Place.
