When people have minor tooth loss and want to address it without the surgery necessary for dental implant placement, we have a lifelike and durable option. With a dental bridge, we can address one missing tooth or as many as three in a row. In today’s blog, your Shrewsbury, MA, dentist talks about how we craft and place custom bridges!
The Risks of Minor Tooth Loss
When you lose a tooth, or a few in a row, this gap could cause trouble for your oral health. For example, the nearby teeth could shift due to the gap, causing misalignment and further changes to your oral health and appearance. The gap could impact how we eat and for some, could even complicate clear speech. To avoid complications and enjoy a beautiful and whole smile, our team could offer a dental bridge.
Preparing Your Smile
To begin the process, we will numb the teeth on each side of the gap in your smile. Known as abutment teeth, these will help support your new teeth. Once they are properly numbed, we will remove structure from them to make room for the crown portion of your new prosthetic. We then take detailed digital images and measurements of the teeth and the gap, which we use in a lab setting to design and craft your new prosthetic. The bridge will be made from ceramic, which can support daily bite forces with ease, and also be color matched to blend with your smile. The finished product will contain new teeth with crowns on one or both ends.
Securing Your New Teeth
When your dental bridge is ready, you will return to the office for the placement process. First, we check the fit and see if you need any adjustments in the prosthetics. Finally, we attach the crown portions of the prosthetic to the abutment teeth with a powerful bonding agent. You now have new teeth that are secure and that can last for 10 to 15 years before replacement is necessary. To help ensure your new prosthetic will last, we recommend brushing and flossing your new teeth along with the rest of your smile. Also, be sure to clean the space between the tip of the gums and the bottom of the prosthetic, where food particles can accumulate.
If you have any questions about how we replace missing teeth with a dental bridge, or if you would like to schedule a consultation, then contact our team today to learn more.
Schedule a Visit for Dental Prosthetics
The team at Modern Dentistry of Shrewsbury in MA wants to help you smile with confidence by addressing the gaps in your smile. To schedule an appointment with us, call our office today at 508-842-8838.
