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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 Shelby H
Exceptional all around! Dr. Mapes and his staff are truly wonderful and they make you forget, you’re even at the dentist!
- Shelby H
Patient Review by Ronney O
Great staff and Doctor!
- Ronney O
Patient Review by Stephanie F
Dr. Mapes and his staff are wonderful! They are kind, considerate and make you feel relaxed. Highly recommended!
- Stephanie F
Patient Review by Bill T
Great dentist and crew
- Bill T
Patient Review by Lana A
Very pleasant. Very efficient
- Lana A
Patient Review by Mike O
Very friendly and efficient.
- Mike O
Patient Review by Sally G
- Sally G
Patient Review by Gary K
A patient for about 30 years.
- Gary K
Patient Review by Adam G
Great staff, great dentist. Got me in and helped me figure out the best approach to my dental care! I will definitely be back!
- Adam G
Patient Review by Briceton B
I feel like a Colgate model now
- Briceton B
Patient Review by Janet F
- Janet F
Patient Review by Steve D
Dr. Mapes and his staff take good care of their patients. We have been going for years and appreciate the friendly atmosphere and professional services.
- Steve D
Patient Review by Kathy H
- Kathy H
Patient Review by Waymonn B
Dr Mapes is great and has put together a staff of excellent employees!
- Waymonn B
Patient Review by Brenda D
- Brenda D
Patient Review
- Anonymous
Patient Review by Christie D
Dr. Mapes has been my dentist for more than 10 years. I highly recommend him! I could write a book about how awesome Dr. Mapes and his staff are! They all truly care about their patients as if you were a member of their own family. They do everything they can to make you comfortable and receive the best dental care in East Texas! Dr. Mapes always asks how my Mom is doing and even came to check on my sister's teeth when she was bedridden at our home. He is absolutely amazing and we are blessed to have found a dentist like him. Thanks Dr. Mapes!
- Christie D
Patient Review by Debbie O
The very best in d natal care
- Debbie O
Patient Review by Cathleen R
- Cathleen R
Patient Review by Mark L
Great place won’t go anywhere else
- Mark L