When you have a more minor case of tooth loss, such as one to three missing teeth in a row, then you need a prosthetic. To help address minor tooth loss, we can create a custom option that looks natural. In today’s blog, your Allen, TX, dentist talks about how we craft and secure a custom dental bridge.
The Impact of Your Tooth Loss
Let’s talk about how tooth loss impacts your smile. When you lose even one tooth, this gap could mean serious trouble for your smile. The space in your smile could cause the surrounding teeth to move from position, causing misalignment and poor oral health. You could also feel embarrassed regarding your appearance, and may have trouble eating your favorite foods or speaking clearly, especially if you have more than one lost tooth. The body will also suspend or divert the flow of calcium and phosphates to the structure around the missing tooth, causing the jaw to lose mass and density, leading to further tooth loss.
Designing a Dental Bridge
To address minor tooth loss, we can create a dental bridge to fill in the gap. For a traditional option, we will first numb the teeth on each side of the space in your smile and remove structure from it. Once we do, we will take detailed digital images of the area and these prepared teeth, using them in a dental lab to design and craft the finished product. The bridge will be made from ceramic, a durable material that can withstand bite forces and also be shaded to blend with your smile. The prosthetic will contain the new teeth with dental crowns attached to each side.
Crown or Implant-Secured Options?
For the traditional option, we will attach the crown portion to the prepared teeth, securing your new ones firmly in place. The prosthetic will last about 10 to 15 years on average, and will need replacement every 10 to 15 years as the shape of the jaw ridge changes. However, if we opt for dental implants, we attach the crowns to the free-standing implant posts, preserving the natural teeth. The implants prevent the jawbone from losing mass and density, so your prosthetic can last for decades to come, maybe even a lifetime!
If you have any questions about tooth loss or about securing a new smile, then contact our team today to learn more. Let’s make big changes for your smile in 2023!
Talk to Your Allen, TX Dentist About Tooth Replacement
Our team wants to help you smile without hesitation in 2023! If you want to know more about replacing missing teeth, or if you are ready to book an appointment, contact your Allen, TX, dentist, Dr. Torrens-Parker, by calling 469-342-6644.
