Let’s Replace Your Lost Tooth With A Bridge

When you lose even one tooth, this could be a source of embarrassment and eventually, impact the health and function of your entire smile. To replace the lost tooth and ensure an attractive appearance, our team may suggest a bridge. In today’s blog, your Cleveland, TX, dentist will talk about crown- and implant-supported bridges.

The Dangers of Even One Missing Tooth

When we lose one tooth, this leaves an embarrassing gap in your smile. The surrounding teeth could drift from position, and as a result, cause dental misalignment. Poor alignment itself is a link to the onset of tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, missing teeth may mean changes to your bite balance that strain the jaw joints, making the onset of issues like TMJ disorder or bruxism (teeth grinding) more likely. Since the body takes note of missing roots, this could mean the suspension of certain nutrients to the jawbone, causing the tissue around the missing tooth root to break down, and leading to further tooth loss with time.

Crafting Your Prosthetic

A bridge means we can tackle minor tooth loss, addressing several lost teeth in a row. The prosthetic itself will be crafted based on detailed impressions and measurements we take of your smile with digital technology. The prosthetic will contain new teeth, known as pontics, with crowns attached to each end. We may use materials like ceramic, which is strong, durable, and can be color-matched to blend with your smile. We also take steps to ensure your bite is properly balanced and comfortable too.

Support with Crowns or Implants

There are two different ways to support one. We could place the crowns on the bridge onto abutment teeth, the natural ones on either side of the gap in your smile. This would require removing structure for healthy teeth, and would mean the prosthetic needs to be replaced every ten years, as the jaw ridge will change shape as the tissue loses mass and density. However, if instead we insert dental implants, we attach the crowns to the implant instead. This preserves the structure of natural teeth, and the implants stimulate the growth of bone tissue to prevent changes to the jaw ridge and further tooth loss, so your prosthetic could last for decades to come, maybe even a lifetime with proper care and attention. If you have any questions about replacing a missing tooth with a custom bridge, then contact our team today.

Your Cleveland, TX Dentist’s Office Offers A New Smile

Cleveland Family Dentistry in Cleveland, TX wants to help you enjoy a full smile with an attractive bridge. To find out more about our custom-made dental prosthetics, then contact our office at (281) 592-1234 to schedule your appointment today.