Your teeth perform many essential tasks. In addition to biting and chewing, they help you to speak properly and provide you with a beautiful, confident smile. Losing teeth, even just one can significantly impact all of these functions and more, including the quality of your life. If you have suffered the loss of a tooth, West End Dental can help to replace that tooth with a dental bridge .

What Causes Tooth Loss?

There are several different issues that can lead to tooth loss. These issues include:

Effects of Tooth Loss

Whether your tooth falls out on its own or it needs to be extracted, losing your tooth has several significant impacts on your life, even if the tooth is out of view when you smile.

What is a Bridge?

A bridge is a traditional dental restoration that is commonly used to replace a single missing tooth. It can be used to replace up to three consecutive missing teeth. There are a few types of bridges, including cantilever, Maryland or resin bonded and fixed. Fixed bridges consist of a pontic, or replacement, tooth, which fills the empty space left behind by your missing tooth. The pontic tooth has a crown on each side, which are used to anchor the restoration onto the adjacent healthy teeth, referred to as abutment teeth. While bridges can be made from many different materials, porcelain is often the most popular due to its ability to blend in seamlessly with the rest of your natural teeth.

How is a Bridge Placed?

Placing a bridge requires two separate appointments. During the first appointment, your abutment teeth are prepared. Done under a local anesthetic, this process requires a portion of enamel from each tooth to be removed. This ensures that your bridge will fit naturally, and comfortably, into place without affecting your bite. After the abutment teeth have been prepared, an impression of your mouth is taken. The impression is sent to our dental lab, where the bridge is designed and created. It can take up to two weeks for your restoration to be completed, so a temporary bridge is placed while you wait. At your second appointment, the bridge is checked for fit and a natural bite. If no adjustments are required, your bridge is bonded into place using special dental cement.

Benefits of a Bridge

Bridges provide several benefits. These include:

If you have suffered the loss of a tooth, even if that tooth is out of view when you smile, it is essential that you have it replaced right away. For more information on bridges, and to find out if a bridge is right for you, call West End Dental today at (503) 446-2957.