All of your teeth play a vital role in speaking, chewing, and maintaining the proper alignment of your bite. Losing a tooth doesn’t have to be a normal part of aging, but when tooth loss does occur, it should be corrected to protect your oral health. Fortunately, Dr. Salman Lakhani offers advanced solutions for replacing missing teeth, including high-quality dental bridges in Plano TX.
A dental bridge — sometimes called a fixed partial denture — replaces missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth, known as abutment teeth. Bridges may be permanently attached (fixed bridges) or removable, depending on your needs.
If you’re missing one or more teeth, you already know how it can affect your appearance and daily function. Your teeth work together for chewing, speaking, and maintaining facial shape. A fixed dental bridge is an excellent way to restore both your dental health and your natural smile.
A bridge (fixed partial denture) fills the gap where teeth are absent. Fixed bridges are bonded securely and can only be removed by a dental professional like Dr. Lakhani, ensuring long-term stability and function. Removable bridges, as the name suggests, can be taken out and cleaned at home, but do not offer the same level of security as fixed solutions.
Beyond just aesthetics, dental health is the main reason for considering a porcelain dental bridge. Teeth are designed to complement one another; when a tooth is lost, unusual stress is placed on the gums and remaining teeth. This can lead to harmful conditions, shifting of teeth, or even bone loss over time.
A bridge helps to support your lips and cheeks. The loss of back teeth may cause your mouth to sink inward, prematurely aging your appearance. Missing teeth can also increase the risk of gum disease and contribute to speech issues since your teeth play an essential role in making clear sounds.
Placing a dental bridge with Dr. Lakhani typically involves two or three appointments. At the first visit, he carefully prepares the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of enamel and dentin. Impressions are then taken and sent to a trusted lab to fabricate your custom bridge, ensuring it matches your bite precisely and looks completely natural.
At a follow-up visit, the final bridge is carefully fitted. Fixed bridges are cemented to the natural teeth, with crowns on these supporting teeth holding the replacement tooth (pontic) securely in place.
Bridges may be crafted from gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination. For most patients seeking a natural appearance, Dr. Lakhani recommends porcelain fused to metal bridges, which combine durability with the lifelike look of natural enamel.
Keeping your bridge and surrounding teeth clean is critical. A daily routine of careful brushing and flossing helps prevent decay or gum disease, which could compromise the supporting teeth your bridge relies on.
Discover advanced implant, cosmetic, and restorative care — all under the expert hands of Dr. Lakhani.
Proudly serving Plano, Frisco, Allen, McKinney, Prosper, Melissa, Celina, and surrounding communities with exceptional care that truly lasts.
