Dental Bridges
What Is A Bridge?
Why Do I Need A Bridge?
How Does It Work?
How Do I Take Care Of My Bridge?
Considerations
What Is A Bridge?
A dental bridge is three or more crowns that are soldered together to replace a missing tooth or teeth. The bridge is permanently cemented into place. The materials used for a bridge include gold, porcelain fused to metal, or in the appropriate situation, porcelain alone.
Why Do I Need A Bridge?
Proper oral function and appearance are important reasons for having a tooth replaced with a bridge. Teeth are designed to complement each other. Unusual stresses are placed on adjacent teeth and the gums when teeth are missing. If left untreated, teeth may drift out of alignment.
How Does It Work?
A bridge usually takes up to four or five appointments to complete. At the first and longest appointment, Dr. Sallustio or Dr. Azizian will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin to accommodate the thickness of the final restoration. Since the bridge must be fabricated very precisely by the lab to ensure proper fit, impressions of your teeth will be taken. A temporary bridge will be fabricated at our office and cemented into place to cover the prepared teeth while the permanent bridge is being fabricated. This temporary will be removed and re-cemented at each visit.
At the next appointment, the doctor will try-in the sections of the metal framework. If the fit is satisfactory, he will return the bridge framework to the lab for soldering.
At the third appointment, you return for try-in of the soldered bridge framework to assure its fit and the doctor selects the color for the porcelain that matches your surrounding teeth. At the lab, porcelain will be baked onto the framework.
When the permanent bridge is ready and the doctor is satisfied with its fit and appearance in the mouth, it will be cemented with temporary cement.
The bridge will be permanently cemented in a week or two when both you and the doctor are comfortable with the function and looks of your new bridge.
How Do I Take Care Of My Bridge?
A strict regimen of brushing and flossing will keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. This is of critical importance since the bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support. Additional hygiene aids such as a floss threader or proxy brush may be discussed, if needed.
Considerations
An alternative treatment option for a missing tooth or teeth is dental implants. Drs. Sallustio or Azizian will be pleased to discuss whether you are a candidate for an dental implant.
Bridges can last a long time. The most important step you can take to ensure the longevity of your bridge is to practice good oral hygiene. A bridge can lose its support if the teeth or bone holding it in place are damaged by dental disease.
To prevent damage to your new restoration, avoid chewing on ice or other hard materials.
Your Teeth Deserve Superior Care
Anthony Sallustio, DDS offers a number of dental treatments that can keep your mouth healthy and your smile beautiful. Contact us today!
Anthony Sallustio, DDS
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I'm greeted by all the staff when I arrive that makes me feel good. The rooms are neat and clean with things in their proper place. Most of all I'm treated with respect.
- Barbara E
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Our 17 year daughter smiles all the time thanks to Dr. Sallustio. She was born without 5 of her front teeth and after years of whatever could go wrong happening, we were referred to Dr. Sallustio. He completed one implant, a Maryland Bridge, a seven tooth bridge and 2 veneers. The day it all came together, our daughter was so stuck by how excited he was to complete her smile. He told her he woke up early to make sure everything was ready and that is when she realized she wasn't just a number, instead he truly wanted her to be happy with her smile. She stands a little taller, has more confidence, and her smile brings tears to our eyes as it lights up her face. We will forever be grateful that Dr. Sallustio brought our daughter's wish of having a normal smile to life!
- Lynn V
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
After having a bad experience with a general dentist, I came to Dr. Sallustio with great apprehension! However, after my first visit with this board-certified prosthodontist and watching him use state-of-the-art dental technology, my fears were gone. This dentist TRULY KNOWS HIS STUFF as he walks you through every step explaining every procedure...in detail. When you see him at work, he is like an ARTIST mastering his craft. I especially like the fact that he takes the time to know YOU as a patient; and your immediate and not so immediate dental needs. You can tell he LOVES what he is doing! Because of Dr. Sallustio, I finally got my signature SMILE back again; and for that I will be forever grateful to him. When people see me now, they continue to tell me …."Your SMILE lights up the room" THANK YOU Dr. Sallustio!! You made me soooo Happy!
- Rita T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Receiving dental care under Dr. Sallustio and his entire office was a pleasure. I will return and happily recommend this practice to friends and family.
- Annmarie S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I no longer look like I'm a resident of Appilachia
- LEWIS S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Sallustio is amazing!
- Diane V
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I came to Dr. Sallustio to replace older crowns and bridges and was amazed by the professionalism and compassion of his staff. Dr. Sallustio is an amazingly talented and compassionate professional that took my case seriously and listened to all my concerns and fears! He is a perfectionist and I am thrilled with the results! After a life long journey of intensive dental procedures, I am so fortunate to have met Dr. Sallustio and his team! I immediately trusted him to care for my very special needs and look forward to continuing with his practice.....thank you!
- Diane V
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Caring and considerate in addition to having very little discomfort and terrific results 5 stars
- Julia Sandra R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Sallustio is an exceptionally skilled prosthodontist. He thoroughly and thoughtfully assesses each patient's condition before beginning treatment and then strives for perfection in every aspect of the treatment he administers. In addition to being guided by his vast knowledge of dental issues, he is kind and extremely sensitive to the concerns of his patients. He is also amazingly skilled in administering any type of oral injection and never causes pain to his patients in any aspect of any procedure. In addition, his staff is especially well trained. Each member is welcoming, helpful, highly skilled, and makes the patient feel safe and well-cared for. There is an atmosphere of "sincere caring and good feeling" at Dr. Sallustio's office, and I would recommend him and his wonderful staff to anyone seeking excellent dental care.
- Christine S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I have been a patient in this office for over 20 years I would highly recommend the Doctors and the staff
- Eugene C