Dental Bridges
Frederick, MD
Losing a single tooth might not seem like such a big deal, especially when that tooth is missing from the back of your mouth where no one can see it. The truth, however, is that tooth loss impacts more than just your smile. You can lose a tooth for a variety of reasons, including gum disease, facial trauma, and severe tooth decay. When you lose a tooth, it is essential that it be replaced right away. Dental Arts of Frederick can replace a missing tooth with a dental bridge.
Effects of Tooth Loss
Losing a tooth affects every aspect of your life, even if it is located at the back of your mouth where no one can see it. Effects of tooth loss include:
| • |
Trouble eating. If you cannot effectively chew your food, your digestion suffers, which can impact your nutrition.
|
| • |
Food can get stuck in the empty space, which can be difficult to clean. This can increase your risk for tooth decay and gum disease.
|
| • |
Your may have trouble speaking properly.
|
| • |
Your bite pressure becomes uneven, which increases the risk for tooth damage.
|
| • |
Your teeth begin to shift out of alignment. This alters your bite, causing issues such as bruxism and TMJ disorder. Shifting teeth can also impact the appearance of your smile. |
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a traditional restoration used to replace a missing tooth or up to three teeth in a row. The most common type of dental bridge is known as a fixed bridge. A fixed bridge consists of a Pontic tooth and two dental crowns. The Pontic tooth is the replacement tooth, which fills the empty space left behind by your missing tooth. The crowns, affixed one on each side of the Pontic tooth, function to hold the bridge in place. The crowns sit over the teeth adjacent to the empty space, anchoring the bridge securely in your mouth.
Why Get a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge provides several significant benefits.
| • |
You can bite and chew normally again. This aids in restoring proper digestion and nutrition.
|
| • |
Bite pressure is evenly restored, reducing your risk for tooth damage.
|
| • |
Your oral health is improved.
|
| • |
Your teeth are prevented from shifting out of alignment, which helps to prevent serious issues.
|
| • |
Your smile is improved. |
The Dental Bridge Process
It typically takes two appointments to place a dental bridge. At your first appointment, we prepare the teeth. Done under a local anesthetic, we remove a portion of the enamel from the teeth adjacent to the empty space, referred to as the abutment teeth. The teeth are made smaller to ensure that your bridge fits perfectly in place with the rest of your natural teeth. After the teeth have been prepared, we then take an impression of your mouth. This impression is sent to a dental lab. It is used to design and create your custom bridge, a process that can take up to two weeks. While you wait for your restoration to be completed and sent back, a temporary bridge is set into place. Once your bridge is ready, we check it for fit and to ensure a natural, comfortable bite. If no adjustments are needed, the bridge is secured into place over the abutment teeth with special dental cement.
Learn More About Dental Bridges:
No matter what the location of your missing tooth or how you lose it, it is important that you have the tooth replaced as soon as possible. To schedule your consultation, and find out a dental bridge is right for you, call Dental Arts of Frederick today at 301-732-7277.
|
