Dental Bridges

Dental Bridges

Gallagher Dentistry & Facial Pain Center offers procedures for dental bridges. Missing teeth can affect a person’s appearance and self-confidence, causing a person with missing teeth not to smile as often because the teeth play an important role in giving shape to the face. Missing teeth cause the face to appear less full and symmetrical. Eating and talking are sometimes difficult for those who have lost teeth due to injury, tooth decay, or other oral health issues. Bridges typically last up to 15 years, giving patients a long-term solution to their missing teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges

What happens during the procedure for bridges at Gallagher Dentistry & Facial Pain Center? 

Bridges are a combination of crowns, also known as caps, and a replacement tooth. The first step of the procedure is to place crowns on both sides of the gap where the tooth is missing. The natural teeth are contoured by removing some of the enamel from the surface of the teeth. Some individual treatment plans require dental implants for the bridges. Next, the dentist makes an impression of the teeth. The impression is used to develop the crowns, bridge, and replacement tooth. While the bridge is being created at a lab, the dentist may provide the patient with a temporary bridge. For the final step in the procedure, the bridge is inserted into the mouth, and the dentist checks the fit of the new bridge. The dentist may use a special cement to permanently adhere the bridge in the mouth.

When can normal activities resume after the procedure for bridges?

In general, patients in Eden Prairie, Minneapolis and surrounding areas of Minnesota are able to return to their normal activities immediately after their procedure for bridges. Some patients may need to adjust to eating and speaking with their new bridges.

Is there any pain associated with the procedure for bridges?

The most common symptom reported by patients is mild discomfort. Over-the-counter pain medications may help the patient remain comfortable. The fit of the bridge should be comfortable and not cause mouth irritation. Patients who experience soreness or other symptoms should contact Gallagher Dentistry & Facial Pain Center for a follow-up appointment.

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