Dental Bridges in Louisiana

A Comfortable Solution For Missing Teeth

Missing teeth can not only make you feel uncomfortable about your appearance, but they can also negatively impact your dental and overall health. A dental bridge can help restore the health and appearance of your smile. Bridges are dental prosthetics that replace one or multiple missing teeth. They are comfortable alternatives to partial dentures that remain permanently attached to the teeth.

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What Are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are a type of dental restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by “bridging” the space between two natural teeth or dental implants. They consist of artificial teeth, called pontics, which are anchored on either side by dental crowns or abutments. These crowns are placed on the natural teeth or implants adjacent to the space left by the missing teeth.

Types Of Dental Bridges

There are different types of dental bridges, including traditional, removable or implant-secured options. Removable bridges are made of metal, while implant-secured ones are typically made or porcelain or a porcelain-alloy mixture. The best choice for each patient depends on factors such as the location of the missing teeth, the health of the adjacent teeth and the patient’s preferences.

Who Is A Candidate For A Bridge?

Dental bridges can be beneficial for individuals who have one or more missing teeth and are looking for a solution to restore their appearance and ability to chew and speak. Patients should be committed to practicing good dental hygiene after their prosthetic is placed. Factors such as the health of the remaining surrounding teeth can also be a determining factor when deciding if this prosthetic is a good choice for you.

What To Expect with Dental Bridges

Before placing a bridge, Dr. Eddleman will first conduct a thorough examination of your oral health, including the condition of the missing tooth or teeth, the health of adjacent teeth and the overall health of your gums and jawbone. The bridge procedure consists of the following:

Preparing your teeth: Unless dental implants are used as abutments, the first step is to prepare the adjacent teeth for an abutment. This process involves removing a portion of the enamel from the teeth that will serve as support for the bridge.
Impressions and creating your bridge: The abundents are prepared and Dr. Eddleman takes impressions of your teeth, which will be used to make your custom bridge. You may receive a temporary bridge while waiting for your permanent bridge to be created, which could take a few weeks.
Bridge placement: The temporary bridge is removed, and the permanent bridge is checked for fit and aesthetics. After applying local anesthesia, your final bridge is then bonded into place. Dr. Eddleman will make any necessary adjustments to ensure that the bridge fits comfortably and functions properly. This may involve checking your bite and making small modifications.

Taking Care Of Your Dental Bridge

After your procedure you may experience some discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Patients should visit us for regular dental checkups and maintain excellent oral hygiene such as brushing and flossing diligently to prevent plaque buildup in the spaces between the dental bridge and gums. We recommend floss threads to help remove food debris from those hard-to-reach places. A properly maintained prosthetic can last anywhere from a decade to a lifetime.

Schedule An Appointment With Eddleman Dental

You don’t have to live with missing teeth, which can severely impact your health and quality of life. We look forward to helping you restore your smile with dental bridges! To schedule an appointment with Dr. Eddleman and our team, complete our online form or call (318) 322-2013.

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Comprehensive Dental Care You Can Trust

Your Smile, Our Passion

Our friendly, welcoming team at Eddleman Dental is proud to offer a near-zero wait time with high-quality results using our advanced technology. We treat patients of all ages, and we love getting to know our patients and treat them like family.

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