Are you or a loved one missing an adult tooth? Regardless of what led up to losing the tooth, the absence of it can cause several issues. It’s not simply about aesthetic quality. A missing tooth can impede eating, cause discomfort, speech troubles, tooth crowding, headaches, bone and/or gum loss, and increase your chance of developing infection. Studies have shown that with each and every missing adult tooth, health problems increase.
There are several solutions for adult tooth loss, including dental bridges, dentures, and implants. This post is to briefly address the options of a dental bridge, what the procedures entail and how they help.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a replacement tooth that fills in the space where your missing tooth used to be. There are four types of dental bridges and Dr. Carpenter can determine which kind is best for your situation.
A traditional bridge is the most common type of dental bridge. It is made of one or more false teeth that are attached to dental crowns. These crowns are anchored to the teeth on either side of the gap made by the missing tooth. Of course, this option only works if you have natural teeth on both sides of the gap.
Another option is a cantilever bridge, which is pretty much the same as a traditional bridge except this one is supported by a crown cemented to just one tooth on the side. If you have only one natural tooth next to your missing tooth, you can get this type of bridge.
Another bridge choice is the Maryland dental bridge. Just as the traditional bridge requires the use of two natural teeth on each side of the gap, so does the Maryland bridge. The difference is that instead of utilizing dental crowns, a Maryland bridge involves the use of a metal or porcelain framework. This structure is bonded onto the backs of those two natural teeth.
The final type is an implant-supported bridge, which is often used when you have several teeth missing. These bridges are held in place by implants surgically secured to your jawbone. Generally, one implant is put in for each missing tooth.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
A dental bridge offers a lot of benefits. It will stop your other teeth from moving into the space made by the missing tooth. It will correct your bite so you can chew your food without irritation or pain and will prevent further damage to your jaw and other teeth. A bridge will restore your speech and pronunciation. It gives you back your face shape and self-confidence.
At Meridian Campus Family Dental, we are here to help you with all your dental concerns. No one should have to live with pain or discomfort brought on by missing adult teeth. Contact us for more information about dental bridges so we can repair your missing teeth, restore your oral health, and bring back your beautiful smile and confidence.