Dental Bridges Uses at Our South Ogden Dentistry Practice
When you're missing teeth, you may notice a number of problems that go well beyond mere aesthetics. For instance, it can be very difficult to bite an chew even the simplest foods. Facial aesthetics can change as well, especially around the lips and cheek area. Speech impediments can also result from tooth loss, which can be quite embarrassing.
In order to address all of these problems, it's important that you meet with a skilled cosmetic dentist. During the consultation process, you may find that you qualify for dental bridges. We'd like to look at the common uses for dental bridges right now.
About Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are sets of artificial teeth that are designed to fill the gaps left behind as a result of tooth loss. They are secured by latching around the teeth that are adjacent to the tooth gap. By having dental bridges placed, patients are able to have the aesthetics of their smiles and the functionality of their teeth restored.
Your dentist will work carefully to craft the most realistic set of dental bridges possible. This will be done using dental records as well as impressions of your remaining tooth structure.
Ideal Candidates for Dental Bridges
The best candidates for dental bridges are people who are missing a tooth or a few teeth in a row. They should be in otherwise good dental health and have realistic expectations about what can be achieved with a bridge.
Dental Bridges vs. Dentures
Dental bridges are ideal for minor cases of tooth loss. If a patient is missing many teeth in a row, the use of a dental bridge is no longer a viable option. In such instances, the use of a partial denture or a full denture is more ideal. Dentures are secured in placed by bracing around the remaining gum and jawbone structure of the dental arch.
Dental Bridges and Dental Implants
One great option for achieving the best possible hold of a dental restoration is getting dental implants to support a dental bridge.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically anchored into the jawbone and gum tissue of a patient. After a months-long healing process, these artificial tooth roots will be fused with the tissues of the mouth, able to secure a dental bridge or a denture with remarkable stability.
Ideal Candidates for Implant-supported Dental Bridges
The best candidates for implant-supported dental bridges are people who are missing a few teeth in a row and have sufficient bone and gum tissue in the area of the tooth gap. If a patient does not have sufficient structure in place, a bone grafting or gum augmentation surgery can be performed in order to make that person a good candidate.
If a patient is only missing a single tooth, a dental implant can be used to support an individual dental crown in the gap. Dental crowns will be carefully fashioned using the same approach as a custom dental bridge.
Learn More About Dental Bridges and Restorative Care
For more information about dental bridges and your many other options for dental restoration, be sure to contact our South Ogden dental care center today. During your visit, we will be sure to answer all of your questions and address all of your concerns in greater detail.