By Arthur Kezian

Do you have missing teeth? Have you considered getting them replaced? There are different options to choose from ranging from flippers to bridges or implants. A cosmetic dentist like Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS can help you change your look and give you the smile you’ve been yearning for. Dentistry has come a long way, and now, dental bridges can look as natural as your other teeth. A cosmetic dentist makes sure that the tooth being replaced by a bridge is not only beneficial to your health, but looks esthetically pleasing as well.

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a dental device that plainly bridges a gap between your teeth. A bridge usually consists of two crowns (abutment teeth) that sit on either side of the gap between your teeth. Between these two crowns would be a false tooth to replace the one that is missing. This tooth that sits in between two crowns is called a pontic. Depending on the type of crown you and your dentist choose, you can either have a metal or porcelain crown. Nowadays metal crowns are not used as much, but a mixture of metal and porcelain is used a lot. This mixed-material crown is called a PFM (porcelain fused to metal); the inside of the crown is made of metal while the outside is made of porcelain to look more natural.

Types of Dental Bridges:

There are a few different types of bridges that could be made. First, there are traditional bridges – these are the bridges with two crowns and a pontic hanging in between. These types of bridges are the most common and could be made from the materials mentioned beforehand. There are other types of bridges for special cases as well, like Maryland bridges. These types of bridges are made of plastic material and are supported by metal. The pictures in this article are those of a Maryland bridge case.

Dental Bridge Procedure:

During your first visit, you and your dentist will discuss your case to decide which type of bridge will benefit you most. After you have decided and the treatment plan has been made, you are ready to begin. As always, the first part of the procedure is the anesthesia. As long as you are numb, the procedure is painless! Just like regular crowns, a portion of your enamel has to be reduced. After reduction, impressions will be taken of your teeth. These impressions will then be sent off to a lab where your crowns and bridge will be made. You will be given a temporary solution to wear until your actual dental bridge is ready.

During your second visit, you will be given anesthesia again. This is to prevent you from feeling any discomfort as your temporary is taken off, as your new bridge is cemented on, and as the access cement is cleaned off. Usually, an X-Ray will be taken with the bridge in place (before cementing) to make sure there is a correct and tight fit. If everything looks fine, your bridge will be cemented in place. Once the cement is cleaned out, you are finished.

A two-visit appointment for a bridge can be life-altering. If you’ve been thinking about replacing your missing teeth, don’t hesitate to call Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS and Staff. They can help answer all your questions and make an appointment for you. The procedure as well as the expense will be made as easy as possible for you.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777