Losing a tooth does more than just hurt your smile – the absence leaves you vulnerable to losing more teeth, and it can also seriously compromise your bite function. When you look into how you can restore your full smile, you can hope to undergo treatment that improves the way you look as well as your ability to bite and chew comfortably. At our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office, we can offer more than one treatment option to replace a missing tooth. A dental bridge can permanently set a prosthetic in place without the need for oral surgery. The appliance, held in place with the support of a pair of crowns, can absorb bite function and help you return to more natural jaw movements when you eat.
Tooth Loss And Its Impact On Your Bite Function
People sometimes assume they can just “work around” a gap in their smile when they eat to avoid difficulties. Unfortunately, this can create problems that you will have to address at a later time. One concern is that you will become too reliant on certain teeth, which can wear them down prematurely and make them more vulnerable to oral health problems. Another is that you can put more stress on your jaw with awkward movements, and that can build to problems with persistent pain and stiffness. The sooner you deal with tooth loss by receiving a permanent prosthetic, the sooner you can feel more comfortable with your bite function.
What To Expect From A Dental Bridge
A dental bridge is a custom-made restoration that includes a pair of dental crowns and at least one pontic (the replacement tooth). The crowns are placed on teeth to keep the prosthetic stable enough to let you comfortably, bite, chew, and speak. One big benefit to a bridge is that it can be put in place permanently without the need to perform oral surgery, which can lead to your smile being restored in less time. This is also an important option for someone who is not a good candidate for surgery.
What Else Can I Do To Regain My Full Smile?
You can also talk to your dentist about the benefits of implant dentistry. An implant makes it possible for us to permanently hold a restoration in place without modifying neighboring teeth. Instead, we can secure a crown to a dental implant that is set directly in your jawbone. Its presence actually helps neighboring teeth roots stay in place, and it can create stimulation that helps you keep bone tissues healthy.
Talk To Your Ankeny, IA Dentist About Receiving A Dental Bridge
Your Ankeny, IA dentist’s office is ready to help you if you need to do something about tooth loss! To learn how a dental bridge can support your smile and oral health, contact Dental Impressions at (515) 965-0230 to schedule a visit.
