The esthetic value of a dental prosthetic can be apparent to anyone who has suffered tooth loss. The right restoration can look like a natural tooth, so that those people unaware of your past tooth loss can have no idea you have had work done at all. That emphasis on the cosmetic value of a prosthetic should not obscure the importance of prosthodontics for your oral health. When you have a prosthetic unit that is permanently held, you can have an easier time biting and chewing food. For people who have a harder time speaking comfortably after tooth loss, a secure prosthetic can help communication feel more natural again. You can have a permanent prosthetic without needing oral surgery by having a dental bridge put in place.
A Permanent Prosthetic Without Oral Surgery
A dental bridge relies on dental crowns to keep your restoration held firm. The bridge itself consists of two dental crowns, which are on either end of the bridge, and contains a pontic, or replacement tooth, in the middle. Those who need to replace multiple adjacent teeth can have a bridge with more than one pontic in the bridge. When the crowns are set in place by your dentist, they will keep your pontic(s) locked into their proper location.
Other Forms Of Prosthetic Support
While some patients who need to address tooth loss may be poor candidates for oral surgery, those who qualify can have a dental implant placed to hold a restoration. The implant is able to offer the sort of support to a prosthetic that natural teeth receive from their roots. This method ensures a stable restoration, and can also help you avoid jaw problems that can develop after tooth loss.
