Permanent Partial Denture

A fixed dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth to help restore dental function and/or aesthetics. A dental bridge requires at least one tooth on both sides of the missing tooth or teeth to attach to and support the bridge.

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There are four options for replacing missing teeth: a fixed-cemented dental bridge, a dental implant, a partial denture / removable bridge, or dentures.

A dental bridge restores needed chewing function and aesthetics. Tooth loss causes many problems including, the loss of chewing effectiveness, increased stress on the remaining teeth, shifting of teeth behind and above the lost tooth, and it can create an aesthetic dilemma for many people.

Dental Crown Placement Procedure Time Frame

  • Time to complete - Dr. Clausen usually requires two dental visits to install a dental bridge. Fabrication of the bridge may take between two to four weeks.

  • 1st procedure visit - Dr. Clausen prepares the supporting teeth on both sides of the missing tooth or teeth for crowns. The teeth with the crowns serve as “dental abutments” to the bridge. The part of the dental bridge that replaces one or more missing teeth is called the pontics. Dr. Clausen will prepare and shape the abutment teeth for the crowns to be fitted onto them. He then makes an impression of the teeth and surrounding gums which is sent to a dental laboratory so that the bridge can be fabricated. Dr. Clausen fits the patient with a temporary bridge until the permanent bridge is ready.

  • 2nd visit - Dr. Clausen will remove the temporary bridge and cement the finished permanent bridge onto the teeth.

Dental-Crown-Placement-Procedure
Dental-Implant-Placement-Methods

Life Expectancy of Dental Restorations

  • Porcelain fixed bridge - up to twenty years or more
The lifespan of a dental restoration depends on a number of factors such as the location of the bridge, the span of the bridge and how hard the patient is on the restoration.

When a Fixed Dental Bridge is a Good Solution

When the jawbone is compromised and will not support a dental implant, or the patient desires not to undergo implant surgery, a fixed dental bridge offers a good solution for some patients who are missing one or more teeth in a span.
A partial denture may be a better option for patients who do not have the supporting tooth structure or where the number of missing teeth in span it too great.
Fixed-Dental-Bridge

Call Gentle Family Dentistry today to make your appointment!