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Dental Bridges
Seattle, WA

Suffering tooth loss, even if it is only one tooth, is a serious issue. If the tooth is lost at the back of the mouth, however, many people tend to think it is not a big deal. After all, the tooth cannot be seen, and therefore does not affect the smile. This missing tooth has several effects on your mouth. No matter what the location of your missing tooth, it is important to have it replaced right away. At Pacific Modern Dentistry, we can replace your missing tooth with a dental bridge.

Dental Bridges model used by Seattle dentist at Pacific Modern Dentistry

What Happens When I Lose a Tooth?

Losing a tooth, even one at the back of your mouth can have several effects on your mouth and your quality of life:
•  Eating becomes more difficult. Losing a tooth affects your ability to thoroughly chew your food, which can result in poor digestion and poor nutrition.
•  Your speech may be affected.
•  The empty space can collect food particles and bacteria, leaving you more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease.
•  The pressure of your bite becomes uneven, leaving surrounding teeth vulnerable to damage.
•  Your teeth begin to shift out of alignment, which throws off your bite, leading to bruxism and TMJ issues. It also affects your smile, even if the missing tooth cannot be seen.

Replacing a Tooth with a Bridge

A bridge is a treatment commonly used to replace a single missing tooth, although it can be used to replace up to three missing teeth in a row. There are a few different types of bridges. The bridge most frequently used is called a fixed bridge. This type of bridge consists of a replacement tooth that is set between two dental crowns. The replacement tooth, called a Pontic tooth, fills in the empty space left behind by your missing tooth. The crowns function to hold the bridge in place over the teeth adjacent to the empty space. The crowns sit over these teeth, called the abutment teeth, anchoring the bridge securely in place.

How is a Dental Bridge Placed?

Getting a bridge generally requires two separate appointments. During your first appointment, we first prepare the abutment teeth. This process involves removing a portion of the enamel from each tooth. This process, done under a local anesthetic, is done to ensure that your bridge fits in naturally with the rest of your teeth, creating a natural, comfortable bite.

After preparing the teeth, an impression of your mouth is taken. The impression is sent to our dental lab, where it used to design and create your customized bridge. The process can take up to two weeks to complete, so a temporary restoration is placed to protect your abutment teeth while you wait. Once the bridge is ready, you return for a second appointment. At this appointment, your bridge is checked to ensure that it fits properly and that your bite is correct. Finally, it is bonded into place with specialized dental cement, which helps to hold your bridge securely in place.

Benefits of a Dental Bridge

A bridge provides several benefits:
•  You can bite and chew normally again.
•  Your digestion and nutrition improve.
•  You can speak normally.
•  Your oral health improves and even bite forces are restored.
•  The bridge helps to prevent your teeth from shifting out of alignment.
•  Your smile, and your confidence, are restored.

No matter what the location of your missing tooth, it is essential that it be replaced right away. Call Pacific Modern Dentistry today at (206) 607-9822 to schedule your consultation and find out if a bridge is right for you.
Pacific Modern Dentistry

Office Hours
7:00 AM–5:00 PM
7:00 AM–12:00 PM
2046 Westlake Ave. N. Suite 204
Seattle, WA 98109

Office: (206) 607-9822
Fax: (206) 284-4757
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