When do you need a dental bridge? Typically, we recommend this prosthetic when a patient loses between one and three teeth in a row. A common form of tooth replacement, we use one to help restore your smile. Replacing missing teeth is essential for protecting your smile from misalignment, loss of jawbone density, and other serious complications. But how does a bridge work?
Frequently Asked Questions About Bridges
Question: Why do we lose permanent teeth?
Answer: A variety of factors can lead to adult tooth loss. For example, poor oral hygiene can allow a tooth to eventually become infected. Without treatment, the tooth may die and require removal. In addition, advanced stages of gum disease, such as periodontitis, can cause the connective tissue between the teeth and gums to dissolve. Finally, an injury can cause a tooth to become lost.
Question: How does tooth loss impact oral health?
Answer: First, the teeth surrounding the gap in your smile may drift, causing misalignment. An uneven smile makes thorough brushing and flossing difficult, which in turn increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. The strain on the jaw joints from tooth loss can also increase the risk of TMJ disorder and bruxism.
Question: How does a bridge work?
Answer: The prosthetic consists of one to three replacement teeth with crowns on either end. The doctor prepares the teeth on either side of the gap and places the crowns on them. The crowns then anchor the new tooth in place. We can use a dental bridge to replace one to three teeth in a row.
Question: How long will my prosthetic last?
Answer: On average, they can last between 10 and 15 years. The doctor will provide detailed care instructions to help your prosthetic last.
