Dental Bridge: Is Your Smile All That It Can Be? Is your smile all that it can be? Or is there something missing? Many people have a missing tooth in the back of their mouth and feel as though, if no one can see it, it's not a problem. This is not entirely true. While you may not see that missing tooth as causing problems, you run the risk of the surrounding teeth drifting out of position and doing visible harm. Missing teeth also cause your surrounding teeth and gums to become far more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. One of the solutions we can offer patients with missing teeth is called a dental bridge. What is a dental bridge? A dental bridge is a false tooth, known as a pontic. It can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. Bridges can do many things, including reducing your risk of gum disease, help to correct minor bite issues and can even improve your speech. Is a dental bridge right for you? If you are missing teeth and have good oral hygiene practices, you should discuss this procedure with us on your next visit. How much time does this take? This procedure only requires two short visits. We will prepare your teeth on either side of the space for the false tooth, then make an impression which will serve as the model. This model will used in the dental lab to make the bridge, false tooth and crowns. A temporary bridge will be placed for you to wear until your next visit. On your second visit, the temporary bridge will be removed and your new permanent bridge will be fitted and adjusted to fit your bite and smile. If you're missing a tooth and have figured it was harmless until now, ask us if a dental bridge is right for you. Your smile will thank you.