When we lose our natural teeth, this leaves embarrassing gaps in our smile. In addition, the health of our smile suffers as well. In order to help people in Richfield, MN, enjoy whole and healthy smiles, we have natural looking dental prosthetics available. In today’s blog, we’re going to focus on one prosthetic in particular, an option we use for minor tooth loss: dental bridges.
How Do We Lose Natural Teeth?
A number of factors could lead to missing teeth. For example, untreated cavities could cause a tooth to become infected. Unless treated in time by the dentist, this could lead to a lost tooth. Likewise, serious injury could cause a tooth to become severely damaged or knocked-out completely. However, the most common cause of tooth loss is periodontitis. The advanced stage of gum disease, periodontitis actually attacks the tissues that connect the teeth and gums together. As these tissues dissolve, teeth become loose and eventually fall out or require extraction. No matter the cause of your missing teeth, we can offer treatments to restore your smile. Otherwise, untreated tooth loss has been linked to misalignment, jaw joint disorders, and trouble eating or speaking.
Creating a Dental Bridge
A dental bridge is designed to replace between one and three missing teeth in a row. The prosthetic consists of the replacement teeth, referred to as pontics, and crowns attached to each end. The crowns will be placed on the teeth on either side of the gap, securing the new ones in place.
Placement begins with the dentist removing tooth structure from the natural teeth on each side of the gap in the smile. Next, we take detailed impressions and measurements of the smile, which we use to design a custom-made prosthetic. We create the bridge using natural looking materials, such as ceramic. We can actually shade ceramic to match the color of surrounding teeth, ensuring a lifelike replacement option.
When your replacement teeth are complete, you return to the office so we can check the fit, make any necessary adjustments, and then place the complete bridge with a powerful bonding agent. Once in place, your new teeth could last between 10 and 15 years with proper care and attention. Daily brushing and flossing, as well as a healthier diet and regular visits for checkups and cleanings, can all help safeguard your natural teeth and keep your dental bridge strong. If you have any questions about caring for your smile or your new prosthetic, then contact our team today.
Does Your Smile Need a Prosthetic?
If you would like to learn more about tooth replacement and keeping smiles strong and healthy, let us know. To find out more about our tooth loss solutions, schedule a consultation with Dr. Keller by calling Cedar West Family Dentistry in Richfield, MN, today at (612) 861-7188.
