When you have lost a tooth, this could mean major complications for your oral health, bite function, and of course, the appearance of your smile. But we can fill this gap and prevent these issues with a dental bridge. In today’s blog, your Ankeny, IA, dentist talks about how we use bridges to replace a lost tooth.
The Causes and Dangers of Losing a Tooth
We could lose a tooth as a result of an untreated cavity or infection, which could lead to a tooth falling out or being extracted to prevent the spread of infection. You could also lose one to an injury, or in most cases, the presence of gum disease. Our team will examine your smile to assess the cause of your tooth loss, so we can treat any underlying issues to protect your remaining natural teeth and ensure your new prosthetic can stay strong and in place for years to come.
Losing teeth can lead to major dangers for your oral health. For example, misalignment could occur due to the gap, which leads to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Missing teeth also alter bite balance so the risk of TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding) is much higher. If the gap is larger, such as two to four teeth in a row, this could also impact how you eat or speak, and may make you feel less confident. But we’re ready to help with a custom bridge!
Creating a Custom Dental Prosthetic
To create your prosthetic, we will first numb the abutment teeth, which are the natural teeth on each side of the gap in your smile. We remove structure from them and then take detailed images and impressions of your bite and these abutment teeth. In a dental lab setting, we will use the information to design and craft your new prosthetic, crafting it from ceramic. This material can absorb daily bite forces and be shaded to blend with your smile too!
Securing Your New Prosthetic
The finished dental bridge will contain pontics, or replacement teeth, with crowns attached to each end. We attach the crown portions to the abutment teeth to secure your bridge firmly in place. Your new prosthetic could last for as long as 15 years in some cases. If you have any questions about how we take on your missing teeth with a custom-made dental bridge, or if you would like to schedule a visit soon, then contact our team today.
Dental Impressions Talks About Prosthetic Dentistry
We are here to help you find a solution to your tooth loss so you can smile with confidence again. To schedule your appointment for tooth replacement, then call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA today at (515) 965-0230.
