Dental Bridges in Tamworth

A dental bridge fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth with a fixed, tooth-coloured replacement. At Oasis Smiles Dental, at Northgate Shopping Centre in North Tamworth, we design and fit bridges using digital scans, and for suitable cases our CEREC system can make a ceramic bridge in a single visit.

A missing tooth can make chewing harder, change how you speak, and leave you self-conscious about your smile. Over time the teeth either side can drift into the space, throwing out your bite and making the area harder to clean. Many people in Tamworth and the New England region put off replacing a tooth, but the longer the gap is left, the more the surrounding teeth and bone can change.

How a Dental Bridge Works

A traditional bridge has one or more artificial teeth, called pontics, held in place by dental crowns on the natural teeth either side of the gap, called abutments. The bridge is cemented in place, so it stays put when you eat, talk and clean your teeth.

The Bridge Process

1. Assessment. Dr Daniel Raditaolana examines the gap and the supporting teeth, takes X-rays, and explains whether a bridge, an implant or a denture suits you best, with a written quote.
2. Preparation. The teeth either side of the gap are numbed and reshaped to make room for the crowns that hold the bridge.
3. Digital impressions. We scan your teeth with our Trios intraoral scanner for an accurate fit, with no putty impressions.
4. Fitting. For suitable cases, our CEREC technology makes the ceramic bridge the same day. Otherwise we fit a temporary bridge while yours is made, then check the fit, shade and bite before cementing it.

Aftercare

Your new bridge may feel slightly different for a few days while you get used to it. Brush twice a day and clean under the pontic every day with floss threaders, super floss or interdental brushes, as plaque can build up there. Keep up your regular check-ups and cleans so we can check the supporting teeth and gums. With good care, a bridge can last many years.