If you are missing even just one tooth, it is very important to consider tooth replacement. Missing teeth can continue to make an impact on the health of your mouth long after it has left your smile. Voids in your smile can limit your abilities with your mouth’s main functions, increase your risk of losing more teeth, and cause problems for your remaining teeth. Replacing a missing tooth or multiple teeth with a dental prosthetic can help to prevent some of these potential problems. When considering options of replacement, do you know the reasons that you may choose a dental bridge?
Your Smile Is Missing Adjacent Teeth
A dental bridge can replace one to three adjacent missing teeth that create a large gap. A dental bridge is very similar to an architectural bridge in function meaning that it bridges a gap with a fixed point on either side. A dental bridge is a row of one or more replacement teeth (known as pontics) that are anchored by a crown on either tooth surrounding the gap (known as abutment teeth). The abutment crowns can rest upon healthy teeth or implants, if needed. A bridge can be a great option when your missing teeth are adjacent to each other. If you have multiple missing teeth that are spread out in different areas of your smile, your dentist may recommend partial or full dentures.
You Need To Restore Your Smile
A bridge can restore your smile’s appearance, and it can also restore your abilities to properly bite, chew, and speak. Restoring these abilities can help your remaining teeth stay healthy by balancing out the workload and wear and tear. A dental bridge can also help keep your natural teeth from shifting into the gap created by your missing teeth. Bridges that are anchored by dental implants can help to prevent potential bone loss in your jaw.
Could a dental bridge be right for your smile?
A dental bridge may be able to restore your smile. Dr. Young and his team are very proud to be a part of this wonderful community. We proudly serve patients from Breaux Bridge, Broussard, Scott, Youngsville, and surrounding communities. To schedule a consultation, contact us at our Lafayette, LA, dentist’s office at 337-237-6453.