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Dental Bridges – Longview TX
Replace a Missing Tooth or Teeth
All of your teeth play an important role in speaking, chewing and in maintaining proper alignment of other teeth. Tooth loss doesn’t necessarily have to occur as you age, but if you do lose teeth they must be replaced to maintain proper function of your mouth. Fortunately, there are options for correcting tooth loss.
What exactly is a dental bridge or fixed partial denture?
A bridge (fixed partial denture) is a device that fills the gap where teeth are absent. Fixed bridges are bonded into place and can only be removed by a dental professional. Removable bridges, as the name implies, can be taken out and cleaned. Fixed bridges offer more stability than their removable counterparts.
Dental Bridge Options
A dental bridge — a device used to replace missing teeth — attaches artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth. Bridges are either permanently attached (fixed bridges), or they can be removable.
Fixed bridges are applied by either placing crowns on the abutment teeth or by bonding the artificial teeth directly to the abutment teeth. Removable bridges are attached to the teeth with metal clasps or by precision attachments.
If you’re missing one or more teeth, you may be aware of their importance to your appearance and dental health. Your teeth work together for many daily functions from eating to speaking. With missing teeth, it’s difficult to do these things. Missing teeth can and should be replaced. Fixed bridges are a great way to restore your dental health and appearance.
Dental Bridgework FAQ
Why do I need a dental bridge?
Oral functionality and appearance are important reasons for wearing a bridge. A bridge helps support your lips and cheeks. The loss of a back tooth may cause your mouth to sink and your face to look older.
Dental health is the most important reason for a bridge. Teeth were designed to complement each other. Unusual stresses are placed on the gums and other oral tissues when teeth are missing, causing a number of potentially harmful disorders.
Increased risk of gum disease has proven to be one of the worst side effects of missing teeth and can be minimized with a bridge.
Missing teeth can cause speech disorders as they are used to make many of the sounds we use to speak clearly.
How is a dental bridge attached?
The attachment procedure usually takes two or three appointments to complete. At the first appointment Dr. Mapes will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin.
Because the bridge must be fabricated very precisely to ensure correct bite and to match the opposing tooth, impressions of the teeth are taken and sent to a lab where the bridge will be constructed.
Fixed bridges are typically cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing tooth. A pontic (false tooth) replaces the lost tooth. Dental crowns, which are cemented onto the natural teeth, provide support for the bridge.
What materials are used for dental bridges?
Bridges can be constructed from gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Porcelain is often bonded to either precious or non-precious metal.
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 as the bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support.
Patient Reviews: Dental Bridges
This reviews section is in progress. Please visit the Patient Review Form page to leave a review about your dental bridgework experience with Mapes Dental. Call our office if you would like more information: Call Us Today! Phone Number 903-297-6022.
Mapes Dental
Patient Review by Jo P
- Jo P
Patient Review by Becky P
- Becky P
Patient Review by Larry G
Top Notch
- Larry G
Patient Review by Becky Y
It is always pleasant to visit this office. My family has been going here for years and have no plans of changing
- Becky Y
Patient Review by Karen J
The best dental office in Longview!!
- Karen J
Patient Review by James E
Have been very impressed with Dr. Mapes and his staff. I was in the chair for less than 30 minutes on this visit.
- James E
Patient Review by John W
- John W
Patient Review by Eddie B
Whole staff is great!
- Eddie B
Patient Review by Erin M
- Erin M
Patient Review by Lilli J
I was afraid my sleep appliance would have to be replaced because it has a chip out and is 4-5 years old (3 years is average). Dr. Mapes could have sold me a new one (and they are not cheap) but explained that as long as it works and is not hurting me, why replace it yet? Same thing with my wisdom teeth. He was the first dentist I had been to who didn’t say I had to have my wisdom teeth removed. I have been going to Dr. Mapes for nearly 20 and those teeth have never given me issue. He does excellent work but doesn’t push for what’s unnecessary.
- Lilli J
Patient Review by Daryl R
As always dr Mapes and staff are superstars
- Daryl R
Patient Review by Shelby H
Great people, that do exceptional care.
- Shelby H
Patient Review by Clay N
Great place
- Clay N
Patient Review by William T
- William T
Patient Review by John W
I'll be sad if ever the Dr. Or staff retires
- John W
Patient Review by Jerry W
Any type of tooth care needed, this is the only place to go.
- Jerry W
Patient Review by Trisha D
Awesome dentist and staff !!!
- Trisha D
Patient Review by Heather M
- Heather M
Patient Review by Larry B
This staff is exceptional and few dentist offices could come close to their professional conduct!
- Larry B
Patient Review by Daryl R
Wouldn’t go anywhere else in town for my dental needs. Dr Mapes and staff are the best.
- Daryl R