A Full Smile Again With A Dental Bridge

woodland hills dental bridgeA dental bridge is often recommended for people with one to three missing teeth in a row. We use them to fill the gaps in your smile and offer a lifelike and durable solution to missing teeth. In today’s blog, your Woodland Hills, CA, dentist talks about how we design and craft your bridge, and how to keep your smile whole.

The Risks of Tooth Loss

Tooth loss could occur due to injury, an untreated cavity or infection, or in most cases, the advanced stage of gum disease. When you lose teeth, this will impact how you eat and speak, and even your facial structure. Losing teeth means a gap that could alter how you eat, make speaking clearly difficult, and could cause embarrassment in social situations. The gap could also mean pressure on your jaw joints and bite balance, leading to painful disorders like TMD or even chronic teeth grinding (bruxism). The gap could also mean that surrounding teeth begin to drift from position, a complication linked to increased risks of tooth decay and gum disease. The lack of tooth roots could also mean the jawbone begins to break down, a complication linked to further tooth loss and even an older appearance.

Crafting a Bridge

To address your minor tooth loss, you may benefit from a bridge. We begin by taking structure from the teeth on either side of the gap, known as abutment teeth. Detailed digital images and measurements will then be taken and in a dental lab, we will craft your custom bridge. The prosthetic will contain new teeth, or pontics, with crowns on each end. The crowns will be attached to the abutment teeth, securing your new ones. This helps prevent misalignment, TMJ disorder, bruxism, and complications eating or speaking. The prosthetic will last about 10 to 15 years, and will need replacement as the shape of your jaw ridge changes.

Support with Implant Dentistry

However, by inserting dental implants into the jaw, this stimulates the growth of bone tissue once the body sees them as natural roots. This prevents a breakdown and preserves the jaw, so once we attach the bridge to your implants your new teeth could last decades or even a lifetime. The option we choose for you will depend on a number of factors and whether you have certain underlying oral health issues. If you have any questions then contact our team today. We would love to help you enjoy a complete smile once again!

Talk To Your Woodland Hills, CA Dentist About Dental Prosthetics

Treating your tooth loss could restore your smile’s health, function, and beauty. If you have one or more missing teeth, then contact your Woodland Hills, CA, dentist’s office by calling 818-347-5124.