Massachusetts Dentist Explains the Many Benefits of Dental Bridges
Online, December 10, 2013 (Newswire.com) - Missing teeth can lead to a variety of issues for dental patients, including difficulties speaking and eating properly. Additionally, missing teeth can cause one to feel insecure about their appearance. Fortunately, there are many treatments available to help patients achieved a restored, beautiful smile. Dental bridges are among the most effective ways of replacing missing teeth.
Dr. Jeffery S. Cummings, of Restore Teeth in Waltham, Massachusetts, recommends dental bridges as an effective replacement for missing teeth. Dr. Cummings explains that a dental bridge is a restorative dental treatment for replacing one or more missing teeth. The bridge is cementing a replacement tooth (known as a "pontic") onto either natural teeth or dental implants, filling the gap created by a missing tooth.
According to Dr. Cummings, there the most common dental bridge is known as a traditional bridge, which involves creating a dental crown for natural teeth on both sides of the missing tooth. The artificial tooth will then be attached to the crown. The false, replacement teeth are usually made of porcelain, fused to metal, or ceramic. Other, less-common types of dental bridges include the Maryland bonded bridge, which are made of plastic teeth and gums supported by metal framework, and the Cantilever bridge, which is used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth.
The placement process of a dental bridge will require at least two office visits. During the first office visit, Dr. Cummings will prepare the two anchoring teeth by removing a portion of enamel to make room for the dental crown. Next, he will make impressions of the teeth in order to generate a model from which the permanent bridge, false tooth, and crown will be created. Usually, a temporary bridge will be made to protect exposed teeth and gums while the permanent bridge is being made.
During the second office visit, Dr. Cummings will remove the temporary bridge and the new, permanent bridge will be checked and adjusted. Several return visits may be required to check the fit of the bridge, although this often varies by patient. After making sure that the permanent bridge fits comfortably, Dr. Cummings cements it into place. Dr. Cummings adds that dental bridges can last for up to 15 years, with proper dental care, a good diet, and regular dental check-ups.
Dr. Cummings works hard to provide all of his patients with personalized care, and takes pride in enhancing their smiles. For more information, or to schedule a consultation, you can contact Dr. Cummings by phone 781.894.4114 or through his website, www.restoreteeth.com.
About Dr. Cummings
Dr. Jeffrey S. Cummings graduated from Middlebury College in 1983 and received his D.M.D. from Tufts University School of Medicine in 1987. He spent the next five years training with the Chairman of Complete Dentures in Denture Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry.
In 1992, he became an Assistant Professor of Complete Denture Prosthodontics, where he has lectured on Implant Dentistry and Gross Anatomy.
He has taught future dentists their craft at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and is an established leader who still finds time to advance his own training by traveling to courses all over the country and in Europe, putting him at the top of his field.
Dr. Cummings can be reached at 781.894.4114 in Waltham, MA, and interested parties can also visit his website at www.restoreteeth.com.
###