If you are missing one or more teeth, dental bridges can often help to balance out your smile. This procedure may be recommended for patients who are not eligible candidates for dental implants. Dental bridges are composed of an artificial tooth supported by porcelain crowns on either side to enhance strength and durability, and to prevent slippage that can sometimes occur with traditional dentures. The bridge fills the gap in between, creating a natural-looking result.
Dental bridges are a fundamental restorative dentistry procedure aimed at replacing missing teeth. For dental professionals in Fair Lawn, it's crucial to understand that a bridge is composed of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap — these two or more anchoring teeth are known as abutment teeth — and a false tooth/teeth in between. These false teeth are called pontics and can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Dental bridges are supported by natural teeth or implants.
There are four main types of dental bridges that dentists in Fair Lawn should be familiar with: traditional bridges, cantilever bridges, Maryland bonded bridges (also known as a resin-bonded bridge), and implant-supported bridges. Each type has its indications based on the condition of the patient's oral health, the location of the missing tooth, and the patient's financial considerations. Understanding the benefits and limitations of each type is paramount in advising patients effectively.
Dental bridges offer multiple benefits, making them a popular choice for patients looking to restore their smile's functionality and aesthetic appeal. They help restore the patient's ability to properly chew and speak, maintain the shape of their face, distribute the forces in their bite properly by replacing missing teeth, and prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position. For many patients in Fair Lawn, dental bridges are a cost-effective solution for replacing missing teeth.
The process of installing a dental bridge typically involves two or more visits to the dentist's office. During the first visit, the abutment teeth are prepared by recontouring these teeth and making impressions of the teeth to serve as a model from which the bridge, pontic, and crowns will be made by a dental lab. A temporary bridge is installed to protect the exposed teeth and gums. During the subsequent visit, the temporary bridge is removed, and the new porcelain or metal bridge is checked and adjusted to achieve a proper fit.
For dental professionals advising patients in Fair Lawn, it is critical to emphasize the importance of maintaining proper oral hygiene practices to ensure the longevity of their dental bridges. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing daily, using an antiseptic mouthwash, and making regular visits to the dentist for check-ups and cleanings. Proper care can help a dental bridge last for over 10 years, making it a viable and durable option for patients missing one or more teeth.
Dr. Mendia is a Dentist Anesthesiologist and the founder of the Advanced Dental Anesthesia Services Group. A New Jersey native, he attended Rutgers University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Nutrition. He then earned his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
Directly following Dental School, Dr. Mendia completed a rigorous postdoctoral residency program in Dental Anesthesiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). Dr. Mendia’s anesthesia training involved hospital rotations through various specialties providing general anesthesia in the areas of dentistry, general surgery, otolaryngology (ENT), pediatrics and obstetrics. Lastly, he received specialized training for office-based anesthesia.
Today, Dr. Mendia has found his niche in ambulatory anesthesia with pediatric and special needs patients. He is also a local, national and international guest lecturer who provides continuing education courses on sedation and medical emergencies in the dental office.
Dr. Mendia is a Diplomate of the National Board of Dental Anesthesiology and a Fellow of the American Society of Dental Anesthesiology. In addition, he is also a part of the following: American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists,
New Jersey Dental Association, and American Dental Association. He holds certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and is a Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider, training local dental offices for certification.
Get to Know Dr. Mendia:
Dr. Mendia resides in northern New Jersey with his wife and three children, all of which keep him very busy! A fun fact about Dr. Mendia, is that he loves following the weather and when he was younger, he wanted to be a meteorologist! His personal interests vary; he enjoys taking the kids to the zoo and Central Park; in the Fall you’ll find him at sporting events. He enjoys traveling to Long Beach Island and to warmer climates in the Winter.
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