Crown bridges are dental implants that can bridge the gap between missing teeth. For example, if you had one tooth or several teeth removed in a row and have either an implant or supportive teeth left behind on either side of the gap, you can usually get a dental bridge. This bridge looks and acts like your natural teeth and can restore your chewing surface, especially in the case of missing or removed molars.

Dental Bridge Dental Visits

Dental bridges can take several appointments to complete. The first consultation visit usually covers what kind of dental bridge you need and which teeth will be the anchor points. Your dentist will ensure your remaining teeth are strong enough to support your bridge or discuss getting a dental implant as a support anchor, which requires more appointments and healing time. 

On the second appointment, your dentist will administer a general anesthetic so you stay comfortable during the procedure. During the process, they’ll remove some material from the supporting teeth to fit the bridge supports snuggly. They will also take impressions of your teeth and the reshaped support teeth and send them to a lab. While the lab crafts your permanent dental bridge, your dentist will give you a temporary bridge to tide you over.

Your permanent bridge should be made and ready to fit in around two to four weeks. At this third appointment, your dentist will check the fit of your new bridge, and if all seems good, they will cement the new bridge to your teeth. So, on average, it takes three appointments to fit and install a dental bridge, though depending on the type of dental bridge, this can take longer.

Remember that it can take several weeks for your dental bridge to feel natural in your mouth. You may feel slight discomfort as your mouth adjusts to the new implant. However, if you feel ongoing pain or throbbing, have a bad smell in the area, or run a fever, contact your dentist immediately, as this can be a sign of infection. Dental bridges should not cause you constant pain.

How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?

While dental bridges are a permanent dental fixture, meaning they can only be removed by your dentist, they only last around 15 years with proper care. However, making a replacement bridge is much easier than the initial installation, as your dentist doesn’t need to shape your supporting teeth.

If you need a replacement dental bridge, your dentist will take an updated impression of your mouth and send it to the lab to make a new bridge for you. Then, your dentist removes the cement from the previous bridge and installs the new one. 

If you want a dental bridge or crown in Long Island, contact Avalon Dental at (347) 472-0318. Our team of trained dental professionals would be happy to answer any questions or help you schedule an appointment today. We look forward to hearing from you.