Dental Bridges

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Tooth replacement with dental bridges that span the gaps in your smile

Ideally, at Canyon Crossing Dental, we will protect your teeth and gums from the problems that lead to the need for treatment. Instead of treatment, we emphasize prevention. Our experienced dentist, Dr. Susan Baker, keeps your teeth free of decay and your gums free of disease. Dental decay and periodontal disease are the leading causes of tooth loss. 

However, if teeth do become damaged and cannot be restored with root canal therapy or other endodontic treatment, dental bridges may be in your future. 

Tooth replacement in St. George, Utah

You can get a dental crown without a dental bridge. However, a bridge would not be complete without at least two dental crowns. Why is this? Let’s first consider the “anatomy” of a crown. 

Also known as “caps,” crowns replace the white part of the tooth visible above the gums when you smile. Crowns may be made from all sorts of materials, including non-metals like porcelain and metals like gold. Once the crown is made, it is designed to fit over the remaining tooth structure. It restores and protects a badly broken or otherwise damaged tooth from further damage that ultimately threatens the natural tooth. It is appropriate for individuals whose teeth can still be preserved. 

Bridges are a form of tooth replacement. They are appropriate for individuals who are missing at least one tooth. Likewise, they may be well-suited to patients with at least one failing tooth (that will likely require extraction). Conventional bridges have been around for a long time. They are a fixed and permanent solution to replace one or some teeth. They are also a more affordable alternative to dental implants. Patients who are not good candidates for implant procedures may still benefit from traditional fixed bridges.

Now, let’s get back to those crowns again. Two crowns are needed to make a dental bridge. The crowns will fit over the teeth that are next to the replacement tooth. Depending on your needs, more than one replacement tooth can be placed. The neighboring teeth must be crowned because they are designed to support the replacement tooth (or teeth). The crowns and the prosthetic tooth structure are fused together. Then, the crowns in the bridge are cemented over the “anchor” teeth. Once the crowns are secured, the prosthetic tooth in the middle bridges or fills the empty space where the natural tooth used to be. Due to the design of these bridges, the replacement teeth (pontics) rely on the adjacent anchor teeth for their support. It is essential to clean properly underneath the bridge. Good oral hygiene is necessary to keep the anchor teeth healthy. Failure to do so can threaten the bridge and shorten its lifespan.

Has it been a while since your dental visit? Are you due for an appointment? Call Canyon Crossing Dental at (435) 344-4445 ! Do not wait for problems to arise before you schedule an appointment. We can preserve your natural teeth and prevent the need for restorative options like dental bridges, dentures, and implant-supported teeth. Our team is privileged to proactively care for the oral health needs of individuals and families from throughout the St. George area.