Fixed bridge: Dr Nik
If you’re missing one or more teeth, it is advisable to get them replace because they are important not just for your looks and smile (very significant for front teeth) but also to help you to bite, chew and speak!
There are three options or ways to replace missing teeth.
- Implant: posts that are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw where they function as a sturdy anchor for replacement teeth.
- Fixed bridge: Artificial teeth to replace the missing one by using adjacent natural teeth as the anchor to hold it.
- Removable partial denture: Replacement teeth fixed to a plastic base that matches the colour of the gum. A removable partial denture can easily be put in and taken out of the mouth for cleaning.
Today, I’m going to write about fixed bridge that uses adjacent natural teeth as an anchor to hold it in place.
Placing a bridge usually takes at least two visit. On first visit , the adjacent teeth are prepared , that is by means of trimming it into a smaller size. This will create space for us to put a crown or a ‘cap’ that covers the trimmed teeth. These two crowns are fused with replacement tooth to replace the missing tooth.
The impression of the trimmed teeth will be taken and send to dental lab for fabrication of the final bridge. While waiting for it to be ready (normally it takes 7 to 10 days time), a plastic temporary bridge will be fabricated in the clinic and cemented in place to protect the trimmed teeth.
On the second visit, the actual bridge is fitted, adjusted and cemented in place. During this visit, patient will also be given instructions on how to clean the fixed bridge.
For any inquiries, do reach me at nik@story.drfauziah.com