Read/Write a Review
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 Megan M
- Megan M
Patient Review by Charles Pharr E
Best Dentist I’ve ever been
- Charles Pharr E
Patient Review by Mary H
Very Friendly and will take care of you.
- Mary H
Patient Review by Julie S
Dr. Mapes and his staff are the best!
- Julie S
Patient Review by Raymond J
We have been very pleased with the service and kindness we have received over 10 plus years. We are happy to refer our friends to the Mapes Dental service (The whole staff).
- Raymond J
Patient Review by Eddie B
- Eddie B
Patient Review by sherry s
Very nice staff and doctor politeness and knowledge. Explained everything.
- sherry s
Patient Review by Norma H
Best doctor and staff in Longview.
- Norma H
Patient Review by sherry s
Dr.mapes is very good and I trust him and his staff.
- sherry s
Patient Review by Mandy K
I actually enjoy my dentist visits.
- Mandy K
Patient Review by Heather S
- Heather S
Patient Review by Charlie B
Professional, friendly, the best
- Charlie B
Patient Review by Trent B
Dr. Mapes has the best staff who makes me feel right at home. I always leave with a smile on my face. A brighter/whiter smile I might add.
- Trent B
Patient Review by Tiffany W. W
Best office from Dr to staff. Very clean environment and feels like home. Front office is exceptional and personable and pays attention and remembers things about you! Love this Office!
- Tiffany W. W
Patient Review by Happy A
They will take care of you! Very reasonable rates for cash customers too!
- Happy A
Patient Review by Terri H
Dr Mapes and his staff are extremely nice and courteous. I am NOT a fan of a dentist but Dr Mapes and his staff have been wonderful to me and my husband. If anyone needs any dental procedures THIS is the dentist your looking for
- Terri H
Patient Review by Paul S
Dr Mapes and his staff are top notch, and I highly recommend them.
- Paul S
Patient Review by Jerry W
Super group in this office. Every one of them make you feel like you’re the most important patient they have. We’ve used Dr. Mapes and his group for years. Wouldn’t consider any place else for Dental needs.
- Jerry W
Patient Review by Larry B
Very pleased, great staff.
- Larry B
Patient Review by Stacee C
Have recommended several people to Dr Mapes. They enjoy them as much as I do. I have been a patient for close to 15 yrs now.
- Stacee C