If you have one or several missing teeth, the next thing you should do is to find an ideal tooth replacement option. Thanks to technological advancements, now, more than ever, dentistry offers several tooth replacement options that are durable and look like natural teeth. And one among them is dental bridges.Â
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a fixed, false tooth that looks like a natural tooth. The false tooth is also called a pontic, and it is held in position by the abutment teeth on either side of the missing tooth's space. The false tooth is often made from porcelain to blend in with your natural teeth aesthetically.
Why Do I Need a Dental Bridge?Â
Having a single missing tooth can affect one's oral health and appearance. When one or more teeth are missing, all the other teeth in the mouth will start to move towards the space. The teeth present opposite the gap may shift up or down, affect the bite, or lead to chronic pain. Teeth loss may also lead to the shrinkage of the jawbone over time. So, it is important to get the lost teeth restored at the earliest.Â
What are the Dental Issues That Dental Bridges Can Fix?Â
The most obvious and immediate correction a dental bridge offers is filling the gap left by a missing tooth. Over time, by closing the space, the dental bridge offers the following benefits that include the following:Â
- Lower the risk of gum disease
- Restore the patient's biting and chewing abilities
- Improve speech
- Prevent the shifting of the remaining teeth from their ideal position
- Preserve a natural-looking, aesthetic smile
Candidates For Dental BridgesÂ
Dental bridges are suitable for those who have lost one to three adjacent teeth. The patient should have good oral health to undergo the procedure. If a patient has gum disease, the condition is treated first before moving forward with bridge placement.Â
Besides, the patient should have strong and healthy natural teeth on each side of the bridge to securely anchor the bridge. For patients who prefer an implant-supported bridge, the dentist will confirm that they have the adequate bone density to place the implant posts and the larger restoration.
Caring for Dental Bridges
It is important to follow good oral hygiene practices to ensure that the dental bridges last long. Most bridges last five to seven years, but they could last a decade with good oral hygiene. Besides,
- Follow your dentist's instructions on effectively cleaning your dental bridges. Â
- Avoid consuming hard and crunchy foods.
With the dental bridges we offer, you are not far from having your best smile once again.Â
Dr. Jeanne V. Devi, DDS, offers cosmetic treatments like dental bridges to replace missing teeth. For more information and appointments, contact us at (626) 795-2544, book online, or visit us at 595 E Colorado Blvd Suite 603, Pasadena, CA 91101.
