Dental Bridges and Pontic: What are They?

A dental bridge is a false tooth, known as a pontic, which is fused between two dental crowns to fill in the space created by a missing tooth. The two crowns holding it in place are attached to adjacent teeth, known as abutment teeth, and the pontic lies in the gap. A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth and is supported by the surrounding natural teeth.

Dental bridges are made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, or metal. Porcelain or ceramic bridges are popular because they most closely match the color of your natural teeth. Metal bridges are usually used in the back of the mouth where they are not as noticeable.

The pontic is attached to the crowns with metal wings or brackets. The type of dental cement used to attach the pontic to the crowns will depend on the type of dental bridge you have.

Steps Involved

The first step in getting a dental bridge is to see your dentist. They will examine your mouth and might take x-rays to determine if a dental bridge is the best option for you. If it is, they will take impressions of your teeth, which will be used to make the model for your dental bridge.

Once the model is made, your dentist will choose the material for your pontic and the color that best matches your natural teeth. The pontic is then attached to the crowns, and the bridge is placed in your mouth.

Your dentist will make sure the fit is comfortable and that the pontic is the right color before they permanently attach the bridge. Once the bridge is attached, you will need to practice good oral hygiene to keep your teeth and gums healthy. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings.

How Can We Help?

Dental bridges are an effective way to replace missing teeth and restore your smile. Dr. Brian G. Cochran and the team at Cochran Family Dental have years of experience helping patients with missing teeth get dental bridges in Virginia. Once you schedule a consultation, as discussed previously, one of our doctors will first examine your mouth and might take X-rays to determine if a dental bridge is the best option for you. We will also discuss the different types of bridges and which one would be best for your situation.

If you decide to move forward with a dental bridge, the doctor will prepare the abutment teeth by removing a portion of the enamel to make room for the crowns.

Once the abutment teeth are prepared, impressions will be taken of your teeth and sent to a dental laboratory where the politics and crowns will be made. In the meantime, you will be fitted with a temporary bridge. Once the permanent bridge is ready, you will come back to our office, and our doctor will remove the temporary bridge and cement the permanent bridge in place.

We’ll Keep You Smiling

Dental bridges can last for many years with proper care. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth regularly and visit Cochran Family Dental for regular check-ups and cleanings. If you have questions about dental bridges in Leesburg, Ashburn, Purcellville, Potomac Falls, Lansdowne, Sterling, Hamilton, or the other surrounding communities in Virginia, call us at 703-771-9034 or email us using the contact form on this page to schedule an appointment.