Tooth loss can detract from your daily quality of life in several ways, especially if more than one in a row have gone missing. The wider gap in your grin can make you feel self-conscious about your looks, alter speech patterns, and lead to gastrointestinal issues from swallowing overly large pieces of food that can be challenging to chew.
Fortunately, Dr. Schaffeld has a lifelike solution to close the space in your smile with dental bridges. These completely customized restorations can rebuild your mouth’s functionality and appearance simultaneously. Continue reading to learn more about dental bridges, and feel free to contact us for additional information!
These oral appliances contain the correct number of pontics (artificial teeth) to replace anywhere from one to four missing teeth in a row. They’re anchored in your mouth via two dental crowns on each end that are cemented over teeth or implants and are not intended to be removed, making them an excellent long-term treatment for tooth loss. Plus, they are made of a resilient porcelain material that can be color-matched to your natural shade for seamless results.
Although potentially anyone who has lost teeth can benefit from one of these restorations, that doesn’t mean they’re the best solution for everyone’s unique circumstances. Before proceeding, you must consult with Dr. Schaffeld to ensure you’re a good candidate. Once he examines your mouth and verifies it’s the right option for you, he’ll recommend one of the following types:
This is the tried-and-true method, and involves placing the dental crowns of your bridge over healthy teeth in your mouth. Dr. Schaffeld will gently remove a small amount of enamel so that your restoration fits correctly, so if your teeth are already damaged or decayed, you might do better with an implant bridge.
This procedure involves surgically placing two titanium posts into your jaw to serve as supports for your restoration if your teeth are unable to hold it up. That means there’s no need to remove any enamel from your remaining teeth, which helps preserve your oral health. However, it can take three to six months to heal after the poles are placed because your jaw must generate enough new bone growth to fuse with the metal to avoid potential failure.
There are many advantages to getting a dental bridge in Enterprise, including:
