For those who may be missing one or more teeth, a bridge may be a favorable option in the direction of good dental health. It may not seem like a big deal when a tooth falls out, especially if it is virtually painless and easy to heal, or not very noticeable when you smile. What happens when a tooth falls out, however, is that it may cause the surrounding teeth to shift in their sockets which could lead to them falling out as well. Here at Olympia Prosthodontics & Cosmetic Dentistry, we know how to keep your teeth firmly in your mouth through the use of bridges.
WHAT ARE DENTAL BRIDGES?
A dental bridge is used when one or more teeth have been permanently removed from the mouth. It serves to keep the other teeth in position. There are several options available for bridges that could benefit your lifestyle and can be adjusted depending on your specific needs.
Many bridges are permanent, which means they are secure in your mouth, and usually only we can remove it during your cleanings. Not only does this make it easier for you to go about your daily life without worrying about slipping teeth, but it may also be difficult to tell the difference between the real ones and fake. It may require specialized cleaning utensils, such as a flosser designed specifically for use with prosthetics, but with proper upkeep, your bridge can last for several years without needing to be replaced.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF BRIDGES USED
A traditional bridge begins with a single tooth gap that has strong teeth on either side. The support teeth may be filed down in order to hold the support crown. An artificial tooth, also called a pontic, is secured to the crowns which are then attached to your permanent teeth. Cantilever bridges are similar to traditional, but differ in that they are only attached by one anchor tooth if there is not another available for support. Maryland bridges are pontics with wings that are bonded to the abutment teeth. These usually require the least amount of removal of enamel to be effective.
Dental implants also work well with bridges. Through a process known as osseointegration, a titanium bolt is screwed into the empty socket. Once the metal has fused with the bone, an implant can be as durable as your natural root. If you are missing several teeth, dental implants can serve as anchors. With a crown attached to supporting implants and a titanium stud to take the impact, a dental implant can make your bridge incredibly stable while helping to strengthen the surrounding bone tissue.
A dental bridge can be used to ensure confidence in daily activities, such as eating, speaking, and even smiling. You should be able to bite and chew like normal without it being obvious that you have artificial teeth. If you would like to learn more about complete fixed bridges and how they may benefit you, please give us here at Olympia Prosthodontics & Cosmetic Dentistry a call at (360) 456-1200 to schedule an appointment.