Henderson dentist, Dentist in Henderson, NV

Bridges

A bridge or fixed partial denture is one means to replace missing teeth. A bridge, as the name implies, spans a space. While there are exceptions to every rule, generally one tooth is needed on either side of the space. The actual portion of the bridge that covers the tooth is called a retainer and the teeth that replacing the missing ones are called pontics. By replacing missing teeth with a permanently cemented bridge, it is possible to restore function, alignment of the teeth, and appearance.

Types of Bridges
With today's technology and dental materials there are many options to choose when constructing a bridge. Usually the bridge has a metal substructure onto which porcelain is placed. In certain circumstances where strength is the overriding issue, the bridge can be made of all gold. Where esthetics is the driving force and there is not excessive biting force it is possible to have the dental lab construct an all ceramic bridge, but there limitations to this type of bridge. There are three main categories of bridges:

• A conventional bridge is one where there is a tooth on either side of the space (tooth--space(s)--tooth)
• Cantilever bridges are used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth. (space--tooth---tooth)
• Resin bonded bridges (also called a Maryland bridge) are bridges that are generally used for younger patients with congenitally missing anterior teeth. This type of bridge does not require the adjacent teeth to the ground down but it is a conservative way to replace the missing tooth. A fake tooth made of resin or porcelain is placed on either a metal or ceramic framework that is subsequently bonded to the adjacent natural teeth.

Procedure

After numbing the teeth and gum tissue, Dr. Wineman will use a handpiece to shape the tooth/teeth so that an impression can be made and sent to our local dental lab where your artificial tooth/teeth is custom made especially for you. Occasionally the tooth/teeth must first be built up prior to it being shaped. The build up is necessary to (1) make the tooth longer so that it is more retentive (the crown stays on better ) or (2) replace tooth structure that required removal because it was decayed or (3) insure the foundational restoration under the crown is structurally sound. Should this step be required (and which costs you an additional fee) Dr. Wineman will tell you. After Dr. Wineman is satisfied with his preparation of the teeth, one of the dental assistants will place a small piece of retraction cord around each prepared tooth. After a few minutes this cord is removed and impression material is syringed into this space to record the interface between natural tooth and the crown preparation. Immediately after placing the material around the tooth a closed mouth impression will then be made (takes about 5 minutes) to send to the dental lab. Usually the dental assistant will make a temporary bridge to cover the teeth between the preparation appointment and when you return for the seating of your new bridge. We will make you an appointment to return in about 2 weeks.

Infrequently a tooth that was never sensitive can become extremely sensitive to hots/colds and perhaps biting pressure after it is prepared for a bridge abutment. Should this happen please alert the @DENTAL team. If these symptoms do not disappear during the 2 weeks you are waiting for the bridge to return from the dental laboratory, root canal therapy may be needed to save the offending tooth. We will always ask you prior to preparing a tooth has it ever been sore/sensitive (experience discomfort for more than a few minutes, pain that prevents you from sleeping, sudden sharp onset of pain/discomfort for no apparent reason).

Our patients are always asked to participate in the color selection for their new restoration. The dental team will do its best to match the color and characteristics of the teeth we restore. Please remember that certain teeth, especially those with discoloration or other peculiarities, may be difficult to match exactly. We use a premier local dental laboratory that will allow the patient to visit the lab so the technician/ceramist can create the custom shade required especially for you. This extra step, which costs you nothing, may be needed to insure you are delighted and satisfied with your new bridge.