If you have experienced tooth loss or have a damaged tooth, a procedure will need to be done as soon as possible to prevent teeth from becoming misaligned or developing other oral problems.

Your dentist will discuss the type of bridge options available to you based on your tooth health; however, regular bridges may be used if you have natural teeth on either side of the gap or damaged tooth.

With proper care, your bridge can last ten or more years. Our dental assistant will demonstrate the correct way to floss your bridge. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are also important to helping you maintain your bridge and natural teeth.

These are the steps involved during the bridge procedure:

• Teeth on either side of the missing one(s) receive crowns.
• The bridge can then be placed inside your mouth. Once the dentist has the bridge placed correctly, the crowns are placed on your two healthy teeth on either side of the missing one(s).

Once you receive your bridges, your dentist will demonstrate how you how to use a floss threader to floss under and around the false teeth in the middle of the bridge.

Dentures are another alternative to replace missing teeth. Dentures, unlike bridges, are removable and need to be taken out at night for cleaning, and to give your mouth a chance to rest.

These are the types of dentures available:

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures may be needed if your teeth are not strong enough to hold a bridge. Partial dentures are custom made to replace one or more missing teeth. Partial dentures will help restore your self-confidence by giving the appearance of natural teeth. At night, partial dentures need to be removed for cleaning.

Full Dentures

Full dentures, also known as false teeth, are used when an entire set of natural teeth are missing and will restore a natural looking smile and allow you to chew food and allow you to talk and pronounce words as with natural teeth.

Here are some guidelines for handling dentures:

• Dentures need to be brushed like regular teeth
• Clean and massage your gums once the dentures have been removed from your mouth. If your toothbrush is causing you pain, put it under warm water to make it softer, or use a clean, damp cloth and use one finger to for gentle pressure.
• Partial dentures still require you to also brush and floss your natural teeth.
• Dentures can break easily if dropped or handled too tightly. When handling your dentures, place a folded towel below them, or fill a sink full of water in case they are dropped.

Call Woodbridge Dentistry if you think you might be a candidate for bridges or dentures. Our dentists will advise you based on an examination the right course of action for you.