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One or more missing teeth can adversely affect the appearance and functionality of your smile. Missing teeth can cause a change in occlusion (bite), shifting of the teeth, TMJ - temporomandibular joint disorder, speech impediments, an increased risk for periodontal disease (gum disease) and a greater chance of tooth decay. Achieving a natural-looking smile after tooth loss is now possible with dental bridges. Like implants and dentures, dental bridges are used to fill a gap created by a missing tooth or teeth. There are several types of fixed dental bridges, including conventional-fixed bridges, cantilever bridges and resin-bonded bridges. Just what is a Dental Bridge? If you are missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge may be recommended. Gaps that are left by missing teeth eventually cause remaining teeth to rotate or shift into the empty spaces, resulting in a bad bite (occlusion). The imbalance caused by missing teeth can also lead to gum disease and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. A dental bridge is a false tooth, or teeth, known as a pontic, which is fused between two porcelain crowns to fill in the area left by a missing tooth or teeth. The two crowns holding it in place are attached onto your teeth on each side of the false tooth, also known as a fixed bridge. A fixed bridge cannot be taken out of your mouth as you might do with removable partial dentures. Additionally, in areas of your mouth that are under less stress, such as your front teeth, a cantilever bridge may be used. Cantilever bridges are used when there are teeth on only one side of the open space. The Dental Bridge Procedure During your first visit, your dentist will examine the health of your gums and other teeth to evaluate if you are a good candidate for a dental bridge. If you are, your dentist will give you a local anesthetic so that your teeth can be prepared to support the bridge. If the supported 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, your dentist takes an impression of the prepared teeth with a putty-like material that is used to create a model of your teeth. Your dental bridge is fabricated based on this model by a skilled lab technician so that it precisely fits the prepared teeth. It is important that your restoration fits perfectly to avoid additional oral health complications. While your bridge is being created, your dentist will fit you with a temporary bridge so your teeth and gums will be protected from damage until your permanent bridge is ready. To complete the dental bridge procedure, you must return to your dentist's office for a second visit to have the bridge fitted and cemented. If you have missing teeth and practice good oral hygiene, you should discuss the option of dental bridges with your cosmetic dentist in Oceanside and Carlsbad. If spaces are left unfilled, they may cause the surrounding teeth to drift out of position. Additionally, spaces from missing teeth can also cause your other teeth and gums to become far more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. Talk to your dentist in Oceanside today for more information on how you can eliminate gaps left by missing teeth.
Sean Hartmen writes for leading Oceanside and Carlsbad dentist, Dr. Gregory Staffon. Dr. Staffon maintains the highest levels of accreditation and pursues ongoing education to stay abreast of the latest trends in dentistry. Services offered include Oceanside bridges, veneers, and Invisalign, among other services.
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