Lake Oswego, Oregon Dental Bridges and Crowns

Are you missing teeth? Dr. Patrick Morrissey, the top dentist in Lake Oswego, OR, can help!

One of the options Dr. Morrissey and his team at the Boones Ferry Dental Lake Oswego, OR, dental offices, may recommend is a bridge.

What is a dental bridge?

A bridge is a natural-looking structure, either fixed or removable, that is used to replace a missing tooth or teeth.

What is a removable dental bridge?

Removable bridges are also known as partial dentures or removable overdentures. They are made of a plastic pink base, with replacement teeth attached to them.

What is a fixed bridge?

A traditional fixed bridge is made up of a false tooth suspended between two artificial crowns placed on the teeth adjacent to the false tooth.

What are dental crowns?

A crown is basically a “cap” that fits over a tooth. When used in a bridge, a crown helps to hold the false tooth in place. The crowns are cemented to the adjoining teeth.

Crowns aren’t just used in bridges. Your Lake Oswego, OR dentist may use a crown for teeth that have been damaged, cracked, or seriously decayed. It can also be used on a tooth that is severely worn down, discolored, or misshapen. A crown protects the damaged tooth, and using one can save a badly damaged tooth from having to be pulled.

What is the procedure for getting a fixed bridge?

Dr. Morrissey, your top-quality dentist in Lake Oswego, OR, will want to give your teeth a thorough exam in order to determine if a fixed bridge is the best choice for you.

If he decides it is, he will start by working with the teeth that are adjacent to the empty tooth socket — he will most likely have to modify them to make sure that the crowns will fit correctly. When he is satisfied, he will take an impression of that area of your mouth, which he will send to a lab, where they will make your bridge. When it is ready, Dr. Morrissey will put your new bridge in and make any adjustments.

Which should I get — a fixed or removable bridge?

Dr. Morrissey, the best dentist in Lake Oswego, OR, will want to consider many things before advising you on what kind of restoration you should get. He will want to look at the health of your remaining teeth and your gum tissue, and how strong your jaw bone is.

If you have a healthy mouth and jaw bone, he may recommend a fixed bridge. On the other hand, if you have a weak jaw bone, your restoration dentist in Lake Oswego, OR, may recommend a removable bridge.

What are the benefits of getting a bridge?

Fixed bridges are very easy to take care of. You should make sure you brush twice a day and floss once a day. And don’t forget to visit the Boones Ferry dental offices in Lake Oswego, OR, twice a year for your exams!

Dental bridges also look very natural. It can be hard for even friends and family to tell that you have one. They can help you to smile and talk without being self-conscious, and they can also help you to enjoy your favorite foods.

But besides these advantages, bridges are important to stay healthy, as well. Having the right amount of teeth in your mouth ensures that your other teeth don’t shift out of position, the shape of your face is maintained, and the forces of biting and chewing are properly distributed, which prevents jaw pain and other problems in the future.

If you are missing a tooth or have a tooth that is damaged, you may benefit from a bridge. Dr. Morrissey can help, with Lake Oswego, OR top-quality dental care! Call (503) 699-6699 and make an appointment today!