Dental bridges in Webster provide a practical solution to replace missing teeth. They improve your smile’s form and function, but they aren’t necessarily the right choice for every case. Here’s what you should know about dental bridges and whether they’re the right method for restoring your smile.
When Is a Dental Bridge Required?
A dental bridge is an effective way to replace an individual missing tooth. It’s often used when a tooth must be removed and can’t be saved with alternate options such as dental crowns. Dental bridges are made up of a row of artificial teeth that bridge the gap left by a missing tooth or teeth, relying on surrounding teeth for a foundation.
If you have a missing tooth, a dental bridge can restore the appearance and function of your smile, along with preventing serious long-term oral health issues. If you leave the gap open, surrounding teeth will shift into it and affect your bite and your ability to maintain oral hygiene. With dental bridges, you can avoid these negative outcomes.
Evaluating the Condition of Adjacent Teeth
Dental bridges rely on surrounding teeth as a foundation. These are called abutment teeth, and they must be strong and healthy to ensure long-term results. If the teeth surrounding a gap are themselves decayed, infected, or otherwise damaged, they may not be suitable to support a dental bridge.
Your dentist will carefully evaluate the teeth surrounding the gap to determine your options. A traditional bridge requires two healthy teeth on either side of the gap. However, when only a single adjacent tooth is available, alternate methods like a cantilever bridge — which uses just one abutment tooth for support — might work instead.
If your dentist does advise moving forward with a dental bridge, they will start your treatment by preparing the abutment teeth. Some enamel is removed to create a uniform base for the dental bridge, similar to the preparation before placing a dental crown.
You’ll wear a temporary bridge to protect those teeth while the final custom bridge is created. Once the custom bridge is ready, you’ll come back to the dentist’s office, and they will permanently attach it.
Assessing Overall Oral Health
Dental bridges are a long-lasting solution, with a five-year success rate of 97.9%.[1] However, the longevity of your dental bridge depends largely on your overall oral health. Your dentist will thoroughly evaluate your oral circumstances before moving forward. You may require additional treatments or lifestyle changes before placing the bridge.
Gum disease is one of the top concerns before any restorative dentistry treatment. Healthy gums help reduce the risk of complications after bridge placement, improving long-term results. If you have signs of gum disease, your dentist may recommend periodontal therapy or changes to your oral hygiene.
Considering the Extent of Tooth Loss
Both the extent and the location of tooth loss affect whether a dental bridge is right for your needs. In most cases, a dental bridge only bridges the gap over a single missing tooth, although some bridges can extend over a gap left by two.
If you’re missing multiple teeth in non-consecutive gaps, alternatives such as partial dentures may be a better choice. These custom appliances can provide broader coverage and are tailored to suit your unique situation.
Dental implants are another option for tackling just about any level of tooth loss. A single implant can be used to support a crown to fill a gap and doesn’t rely on adjacent teeth for support. If you’re missing all of your teeth, dental implants can support full-arch replacements that restore your entire smile.
Find Out More About Dental Bridges in Webster
If your case aligns with these criteria, dental bridges in Webster could be the tooth replacement solution your smile needs. However, the only way to know for sure is by talking with a dentist. You can schedule a consultation at Empire Dental Care to find out whether a dental bridge or other tooth replacement options may be right for you.
Book an appointment today by contacting us online or calling our office at 585-671-1650.
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