Some people think that missing a single tooth is only important if it is one of the front teeth and everyone can see the gap.
A dental bridge replaces the missing tooth with an artificial tooth to “bridge” the gap between the remaining teeth.
But even if people can’t see the gap caused by the missing tooth, it’s still important to call us to see if a bridge or another type of dental solution can be used to replace the missing tooth.
There are several possible adverse effects when you miss a tooth.
- It can cause a change in your bite (occlusion) that can result in gum disease.
- Your other teeth may shift from their proper positions, and this can cause gum disease as well.
- You may suffer from temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), which are painful problems in the jaw joint and in the muscles that control the movement of your jaw.
- It can cause speech impediments and make you speak less clearly.
- Periodontal disease may become more likely.
- The probability of tooth decay also rises.
If you are missing a tooth or some teeth, call us so we can determine if a dental bridge is the most appropriate replacement. The health of your gums and teeth will also be checked to see if a dental bridge is a viable solution. A local anesthetic is applied so the teeth needed to support the dental bridge can be prepared properly. If your support teeth aren’t in good condition, they may have to be built back up.
An impression of your support teeth is then made so that the dental bridge fits the support teeth perfectly. This is crucial, because an imperfect fit can lead to problems such as tooth decay. You usually have a choice between a dental bridge made from gold alloy (which usually stands well against wear and tear) or made from porcelain (which looks a lot more natural).
The dental bridge takes some time to create, so you’ll probably be fitted with a temporary bridge. This protects your gums and teeth from further damage until the permanent bridge is made. We will then ask you to revisit our clinic so that your permanent dental bridge can be fitted and cemented. To find out more about Coastal Smiles dental bridges, please contact us and set up an appointment.