It may not be a given that your experience tooth loss as you age, but if you do start to lose teeth, it is important that you replace them in order to maintain full and proper mouth function. Thankfully, there are many options that provide a solution to the problem of tooth loss.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a dental prosthesis used to replace a missing tooth (or missing teeth). The artificial tooth (the dental prosthesis) is attached to the natural teeth adjacent to the missing tooth. These natural teeth are known as abutment teeth.
There are two types of dental bridges: fixed bridges, which are permanently attached to your mouth, and removable bridges, which can entered and removed, similar to dentures.
A fixed bridge is applied to the adjacent abutment teeth either by placing a crown on each of the adjacent teeth, or by directly bonding the dental prosthesis to the existing adjacent teeth.
A removable dental bridge is attached to your teeth either with a precision attachment, or via metal clasps.
Do I Need a Dental Bridge?
If the functionality and appearance of your mouth are affected by the loss of teeth, a dental bridge is an appropriate solution to your oral health issue. There are other cosmetic reasons to consider a dental bridge: a dental bridge can be used to replace missing back teeth, as missing back teeth can cause your mouth to sink, make your face look older.
Along with these cosmetic and aesthetic reasons, the more important reason is your oral health: your mouth was designed to be filled with all of your permanent teeth. If you are missing a tooth or multiple teeth, stress will begin to be placed on your gums. This added stressed to your gingiva (gum tissue) leaves you exposed to a plethora of serious and potentially dangerous oral health problems, as missing teeth increase your chances of developing gum disease, which, if left untreated, can lead you to need even more oral health procedures. As they say, a stitch in time saves nine, and that is no truer than with the health of your mouth.
Bridge Attachment Procedure
A typical procedure to attach a dental bridge entails two or three appointments. At your first appointment, the team at Boynton Laser Dental Center will prepare the adjacent teeth on either side of the gap caused by the missing tooth. To prepare these abutment teeth, a portion of both the enamel and dentin will be removed.
Because it is necessary to create a precise prosthetic to replace your missing tooth, we will create a highly detailed impressions of your teeth. This impression, which will give a precise measurement of your bite, as well as match the opposing tooth, will be send out to a dental lab, where the tailored prosthetic will be made.
A dental bridge can made from a variety of materials: these material options include gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, as well a combination of these commonly used materials. Porcelain dental bridges are typically bonded to metal.
Home Care After Dental Bridge Procedure
After the dental bridge procedure has been completed and your missing tooth has been replaced by the tooth prosthesis, it is highly important you follow the required home care regimen. Consistent brushing and flossing of your teeth will keep both the dental bridge and the adjacent teeth clean. It is important these adjacent natural teeth are clean, as the structural integrity of the adjacent teeth and gums is what will help keep your bridge in place.
Dental Bridges by Boynton Laser Dental Center
For over thirty years, Dr. Shiffman and his team at Boynton Laser Dental Center have providing a full range of oral health treatment, with a focus on reconstruction and rehabilitation of teeth and gum tissue. With our years of experience, state of the art treatment techniques, and comfortable and upscale facility, consider Boynton Laser Dental Center if you are considering replacing missing teeth and are interested in the many options offered by the solution of Dental Bridges.