If you are missing a tooth, or even several, it is a priority to fill in the gap. Not only is a space aesthetically displeasing, but it can also adversely affect your overall health. There are correlations between missing teeth and diminished cognitive abilities; when you are down a tooth, your chewing is hindered which can lead to you not receiving enough nutrients from food. Because of this, it is essential that you receive a prosthetic as soon as possible. A dental bridge is a great, non-intrusive way of replacing a single missing tooth. In today’s blog, your Newport Beach, CA dentist discusses this cosmetic procedure and the instances in which it is appropriate.
A Dental Bridge Helps
A bridge is a prosthetic tooth that fits into the space left by a missing tooth. The prosthetic is also known as a pontic, and it is supported by the teeth on either side of the gap. These adjacent teeth are called abutments and they are outfitted with dental crowns to provide increased support for the bridge. The prosthetic is crafted from durable porcelain which is made to mimic the look and feel of your natural teeth. It is safe, long-lasting, and biocompatible to ensure that it is right at home in your mouth. When you visit your oral healthcare provider to have a bridge made, they will take precise measurements of your mouth to make sure your bridge fits perfectly and blends in seamlessly with the rest of your smile. As with all cosmetic procedures, your dentist or oral surgeon will take care to color match your prosthetic, so it will be the same shade as your natural teeth.
There Are Many Benefits
In addition to filling in a gap, providing aesthetic improvements, a dental bridge has myriad other benefits, as well. As noted earlier, it can help improve your chewing. Not only will you regain a more natural feeling while eating, but a prosthetic also prevents food particles from collecting in an empty socket. This can lead to an abundance of bacteria that can harm your overall health. If you are missing several teeth, you might notice issues with speaking. A full set of teeth shapes how you talk, so a lack of them can negatively impact your speaking abilities.
Moreover, once you lose a tooth, your jawbone begins to deteriorate due to a lack of sufficient stimulation. With this in mind, adding a bridge can help maintain the structural integrity of not only your jaw but also your entire face. Finally, having a pontic can help prevent the placement of your other teeth from shifting out of alignment; while teeth are mostly supported by roots in your gums, they are also supported by other teeth. For a more permanent solution, a dental implant is another great choice to replace a missing tooth.
Contact Us To Learn More About Dental Bridges
If you have more questions about this procedure, do not hesitate to contact us today. To schedule an appointment, please call Balboa Dental Surgery in Newport Beach, CA, today at 949-630-0143.
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