LAS VEGAS DENTIST DESCRIBES THE ROLE OF DENTAL BRIDGES

By: Dr. Christopher Lim
Posted on: Mar 8, 2016

Disease, decay, and injury can result in the loss of teeth. It is important for patients to take good care of their smiles, as tooth loss is irreversible. However, thanks to continued advances in restorative dentistry, patients in and around the area of Las Vegas can enjoy replacement options for missing teeth. The three primary means of addressing tooth loss are dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants. Dentures are a removable solution that is rather economical, while dental implants can be expensive but are a permanent repair. The perfect middle-of-the-road solution for our patients is dental bridges.

Replacing one or more teeth in a row can be done with the use of dental bridges. Dental bridges are made by combining dental crowns and false teeth called pontics into a single restoration. This restoration is then bonded in place using the crowns to cover the natural teeth surrounding the gap. These teeth act as anchors to keep the dental bridge in place.

Dental bridges are fabricated from porcelain. This is done for a number of reasons. First, porcelain closely mimics the appearance of natural tooth enamel. This helps in providing seamless integration into the smile and a natural-looking option for patients worried about appearance. Second, porcelain is strong and can handle chewing and biting forces.

Bridges are fabricated once preparations have been made to the adjacent teeth. This includes filing down the natural tooth enamel and taking impressions of these teeth. A ceramist at a dental laboratory will then create the restoration which will eventually bond in place to restore beauty and function.

Las Vegas area patients ready to learn about tooth restoration options including dental bridges are encouraged to book an appointment at Hillside Dental with Dr. Christopher Lim. His state-of-the-art practice offers a wide selection of general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry solutions for patients ready to achieve the smile of their dreams! Call (702) 666-8584 today to schedule a visit.