The Different Uses for Dental Bridges
If you're missing a tooth or multiple teeth, you know just how serious an issue that can be. There are both aesthetic and functional problems that you will face, and you may be surprised how limiting even just a single missing tooth can be. Thankfully there's various cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry treatments out there that can help you overcome these issues. One treatment option that can be very helpful is dental bridges, which we'd like to look at right now.
Problems Associated with Missing Teeth
First of all, let's look at why missing teeth should be taken so seriously.
There's the obvious self-consciousness associated with tooth loss, where even just a single missing tooth can make you feel awkward about laughing, smiling, or speaking around others, even the people you've known for years.
The dental health issues are also serious. Missing teeth can make it very difficult to eat certain foods. There's also the matter of bone loss and gum recession in the area of the tooth gap, and the possibility of the teeth adjacent to the tooth gap becoming misaligned.
About Dental Bridges
One great option to consider for filling gaps left behind by missing teeth is a dental bridge. Dental bridges are sets of artificial teeth that help span the gap that's been left behind as a result of tooth loss. Custom-crafted for patients by a cosmetic and restorative dentist, the dental bridge is secured by latching around tooth structure that's adjacent to the tooth gap.
Ideal Candidates for Dental Bridges
The best candidates for dental bridges are people who are missing a tooth or multiple teeth and have sufficient tooth structure near the gap that can support the bridge. It's important that these patients be in generally good dental health otherwise and have realistic expectations about what the dental bridge can achieve.
Dental Bridges Supported By Dental Implants
In some cases, patients may wish to consider dental bridges that are supported by dental implants. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into the jawbone and gum tissue in a patient's mouth. When in place, these artificial tooth roots provide a level of hold and stability that is comparable to natural tooth roots.
Ideal Candidates for Implant-supported Dental Bridges
The best candidates for dental implants are people who have sufficient jawbone and gum tissue structure in place for the artificial tooth roots. Since oral surgery is involved, they should be in good overall health so that surgery will not post any kind of threat to health or wellness.
Alternatives to Dental Bridges
There are situations in which a dental bridge will not be able to meet a patient's needs. In such cases, a helpful alternative to consider is a partial or full denture. Dentures can replace more teeth than a dental bridge and are held in place by bracing around the gum and jawbone structure. Like dental bridges, however, dentures can also be supported by dental implants.
Learn More About Advanced Restorative Dentistry
If you would like more information about dental bridges and your many other options for advanced restorative dentistry, be sure to contact our Troy, MI dental care practice today. Our entire team looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve the best possible results.
