Have you recently lost a tooth? If so, our dentist in South Bend, IN, may recommend a dental bridge to restore your smile and oral health. A dental bridge is a prosthetic tooth held in place by crowns on either natural teeth or dental implants. As the name suggests, dental bridges help to “bridge” the gaps in your smile after tooth loss.
In general, the dental bridge procedure takes two visits to our office. With good oral hygiene, dental bridges can last between 5 and 15 years.
Here’s what else you need to know about the dental bridge procedure.
What to Expect
It’ll take two visits to our office to get your new dental bridge. During your first appointment, our dentist will file down and shape the two teeth on both sides of the empty socket. This is to create space for the two dental crowns that will sit over the supporting teeth.
Next, Dr. Kosek will take impressions of your teeth to send to the lab that will create your porcelain dental bridge. In the meantime, we’ll place temporary crowns over your teeth to protect your smile until your next appointment.
When you return to our office, your porcelain dental bridge from the lab will be ready for placement. Dr. Kosek will remove the temporary bridge and replace it with the permanent one. However, before bonding the permanent bridge to your teeth, he’ll ensure that it’s the proper size, shape, color, and fit. That way, your tooth bridge will look and feel natural once it’s cemented in place.
Request an Appointment with Dr. Kosek
Douglas J. Kosek DDS is an experienced dentist in South Bend, IN. He’s also accepting new patients and would be more than happy to help you explore your tooth replacement options. To request an appointment, please call our South Bend dental office at (574) 232-2992. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
