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Dental Bridges in Billerica

What are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are a restorative dental treatment designed to replace one or more missing teeth by literally bridging the gap between two existing teeth. These structures are typically composed of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap—these anchoring teeth are known as abutment teeth—and a false tooth or teeth in between. These false teeth, called pontics, can be made from a variety of materials, including gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Not only do dental bridges restore the aesthetic appearance of your smile, but they also help maintain the shape of your face, prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position, and restore the ability to chew and speak properly.

The Benefits of Dental Bridges

Restores Functionality
One of the primary benefits of dental bridges is the restoration of functionality. Missing teeth can significantly impact your ability to chew and speak effectively. Dental bridges fill in the gaps, allowing you to eat your favorite foods without discomfort and speak more clearly. By restoring your bite, bridges also help distribute the forces in your bite properly, preventing undue stress on other teeth.

Enhances Aesthetic Appearance
Dental bridges play a significant role in enhancing the aesthetic appearance of your smile. A gap from a missing tooth can be noticeable and may affect your confidence. By filling in these gaps, dental bridges provide a natural-looking solution that blends seamlessly with your existing teeth. This improvement in appearance can lead to increased self-esteem and a more confident smile.

Prevents Teeth Shifting
Another crucial benefit of dental bridges is their ability to prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of position. When a tooth is lost, the adjacent teeth may begin to drift into the empty space, leading to bite problems and misalignment. By filling the gap, a dental bridge helps maintain the natural position of your teeth, preserving the alignment of your bite and preventing potential complications in the future.

The Dental Bridges

Treatment Process

Consultation and Assessment
‍The dental bridge process begins with a comprehensive consultation and assessment with your dentist at North Billerica Smiles. During this initial appointment, the dentist will conduct a thorough examination of your oral health, which may include X-rays and impressions of your mouth to evaluate the condition of your teeth and determine the best course of action. This step is crucial as it allows the dentist to identify any underlying issues that may need to be addressed prior to placing the bridge. The dentist will discuss your options, answer any questions, and help you decide on the best type of bridge for your specific needs, considering factors such as the location of the missing tooth, the condition of adjacent teeth, and your budget.

‍Preparation of Abutment Teeth
‍Once the initial assessment is complete and a treatment plan is agreed upon, the next step involves preparing the abutment teeth. This preparation is necessary to ensure that the crowns will fit securely over the teeth. The dentist will reshape these teeth by removing a portion of enamel to allow room for the crown. After reshaping, impressions of your teeth are made. These impressions are sent to a dental laboratory where your bridge, pontic, and crowns will be custom-made to fit your mouth. In the meantime, your dentist will provide a temporary bridge to protect the exposed teeth and gums while your permanent bridge is being crafted.

‍Fitting and Placement of the Bridge
‍Once your permanent dental bridge is ready, you will return to North Billerica Smiles for the fitting and placement. During this appointment, the dentist will remove the temporary bridge and fit the new permanent bridge into place. They will check for proper fit and alignment, making any necessary adjustments to ensure comfort and functionality. Once satisfied with the fit, your dentist will cement the bridge into place. In some cases, the dentist may temporarily cement the bridge to ensure it fits properly over a few weeks, making any adjustments as needed before permanently securing it.

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what is a dental implant?

A dental implant includes two parts: an abutment and a restoration. Together, these two pieces create a permanent replacement tooth that looks and functions just like a natural one would.

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how do dental implants work?

The first step of the dental implant process is a consultation at North Billerica Smiles. During your visit, we’ll assess your smile to see if you’re a good candidate for dental implants. If so, we’ll move onto the treatment planning phase.

One of our dentists will take x-rays and scans of your mouth, then use the detailed images of your teeth, gums, jawline, and surrounding bone structures to come up with a precise treatment plan. Once this is complete, you will come in for your oral surgery and your abutment will be placed in your gum. When this heals, this is the part of your implant that will function as an artificial tooth root.

3-6 Months after your abutment is places and your gums are fully healed, you’ll come back in for your final appointment. During your last visit, we’ll attach a dental crown or other restoration to the abutment, and this will create a replacement tooth that looks and feels natural. You’ll be able to chew, speak, and smile with ease - with no gaps in your teeth!

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do dental implants hurt?

Since dental implants are an invasive oral surgery, you can expect to feel some pain. However, we use powerful numbing agents and anesthetics to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible during your procedure. What’s more, we also send you home with a prescription for medication that will help ease your pain, if necessary. We do everything in our power to provide a smooth, pain-free implant treatment.

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how long do dental implants last?

With proper care and oral hygiene, your dental implant should last the rest of your life. We also offer maintenance appointments to help ensure that your implant stays in good shape throughout the years.

We Look Forward To Meeting You.

Please call 978.262.0023 or click below to set-up an appointment online.

Schedule An AppointmentOffice Hours & Location
North Billerica Smiles
315 Boston Rd.
Billerica, MA 01862

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