Dental bridges work on the same principle as a regular bridge: two supporting structures hold a primary structure in place between them. In the case of dentistry, the supporting structures refer to abutment teeth, those teeth that lay on either side of a gap. The primary structure consists of an artificial tooth, called a pontic, that replaces the missing tooth. Archaeologists have found gold bridgework dating back to the Etruscan civilization around 2600 B.C., demonstrating that bridges have a long-proven track record for successfully replacing missing teeth.

Placing a bridge requires two separate visits to the dentist’s office. First, Dr. Gina Liggio Maestri will prepare the enamel of the abutment teeth to accommodate the placement of supporting dental crowns. Once prepared, she will take accurate impressions of the teeth and the surrounding oral structures to guide the lab technicians as they create your custom bridge. Finally, she will secure a temporary bridge to help maintain proper spacing until your permanent is ready. At the second appointment, Dr. Gina Liggio Maestri will check the bridge for fit and, after making any necessary adjustments, will bond it into place.

If you have concerns about enamel preparation or would like to talk about longer lasting tooth replacement options, we encourage you to ask Dr. Gina Liggio Maestri about dental implants. Dental implants can secure crowns, bridgework, and even dentures and, in general, are the longest lasting, most secure tooth replacement.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Gina Liggio Maestri DDS, call our office at 337-704-2126. Our Lafayette dentist’s office proudly provides preventive, restorative, and sedation dentistry services to families and individuals in Lafayette, LA, the Acadiana region.