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If you are missing one or more teeth, you may begin to notice a difference in chewing and speaking. Luckily, there are options available to help bring your smile back to life. One or more missing teeth can significantly affect the appearance and functionality of your smile. Missing teeth can also cause a change in your bite, shifting of the teeth, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), speech impediments, an increased risk for periodontal disease and a greater chance of tooth decay. Similar to implants, dental bridges are used to replace missing teeth. The Procedure At your first consultation, your dentist will examine the health of your gums and other teeth to evaluate if you are a candidate for a dental bridge. If you are, then you are given a local anesthetic so that your dentist can prepare the teeth required to support the bridge. If the supporting teeth are decayed or badly broken down, your dentist may have to build them back up before they can be used as support teeth for a bridge. Next, an impression of the prepared teeth will be made to create a model of your teeth. Your bridge is created based on this model by a skilled lab technician so that it fits appropriately to the prepared teeth. It is vital that your restoration fits perfectly in order to avoid additional oral health problems such as tooth decay. While you bridge is fabricated, your dentist will fit you with a temporary bridge so the teeth and gums can be protected from damage until your permanent bridge is ready for placement. In order to complete the dental bridge procedure, you must return to the dental office for a second visit to have the bridge fitted and applied. Recovery and After-Care After your procedure is complete and your bridge is permanently placed, your dentist will provide you with appropriate after care. You will be advised on proper hygiene information in order to maintain the performance and longevity of your restoration, along with the health of your teeth and gums. Your dental bridge can potentially last anywhere between 10 to 15 years, as long as you maintain a decent level of oral hygiene and good eating habits. It is important to take care of your bridge as if they were your natural teeth. Cleaning your bridge every day and making sure the false tooth is clean will help protect you from tooth decay, gum disease and halitosis (bad breath). It is also important to take care of your natural teeth, as well, as these provide a foundation for your dental bridge. Additionally, it is also vital to maintain a healthy diet, avoiding sugary snacks and drinks. If you have missing teeth, it is recommended that you visit your Carlsbad dentist for further consultation on the best procedures for restoration. Your dentist can recommend the best restorative option for missing teeth to help you regain your natural smile.
Sean Hartmen writes for leading Carlsbad dentist, Dr. Gregory Staffon. All of the professionals at Gregory Staffon D.D.S. maintains the highest levels of accreditation and pursue ongoing education to stay abreast of the latest trends in dentistry. Services offered include veneers, Invisalign, and bridges in Oceanside, among other services.
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