According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, adults 20 to 64 years have an average of 25.5 remaining teeth. That may sound like a lot, but the truth is that adults should have 32 teeth (four of which are wisdom teeth). And though missing teeth in adults are common, leaving that gap in the mouth can have negative repercussions on both your oral health and your overall health. So what should you do if you are missing a tooth? 

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a common oral appliance used in restorative dentistry to close the gap in your mouth. Dental bridges contain one or more false teeth (pontics) held in place by the teeth on each side of the missing tooth. Modern pontics are made from porcelain and designed to look and feel like natural teeth.

Here are some of the most common reasons patients might need a bridge for their missing or extracted teeth:

• Tooth decay
• Gum disease
• Injury or trauma to the mouth
• Congenitally missing teeth

Whatever the reason is you are missing teeth, dental bridges are a great way to restore your smile. With a healthy and happy smile, you’ll feel better about yourself, experiencing an automatic mood boost and a lift in your self-confidence every time you flash that beautiful smile at others.

The Benefits of a Dental Bridge 

If you are missing teeth, you probably don’t feel like sharing your smile with others. A dental bridge can make you feel like smiling again and provides the following benefits.

Smile Restoration

Okay, we said it above, but it is worth repeating here. Though we’ll get into some of the more dental-related benefits below, perhaps the most significant benefit for patients is that they can experience a restored smile. Missing teeth can be embarrassing for some, and the last thing you might want to do is pose for a selfie or, even more so, family photos. But with a dental bridge, your smile will be restored, and you’ll take more selfies than ever.

Improved Chewing and Speaking

Your teeth help you eat and speak. So, if one or more of your teeth are missing, it can make that a challenge. Eating foods like steak or chicken can be challenging or uncomfortable without all of your teeth. And pronouncing words can be tricky too. A dental bridge can solve these issues.

Maintain Your Face’s Shape

When you are missing multiple teeth, it can create a sunken look on your face. This happens because your jawbone begins to deteriorate in the area underneath the gap. Your tooth’s roots stimulate your jawbone to produce bone cells. So rather than leaving that gap in your mouth, it is essential to consider tooth replacement options like dental bridges to restore your teeth.

Prevent Tooth Shifting

A dental bridge helps keep your teeth where they are supposed to be. Once a tooth comes out, it leaves a space in your mouth. Inevitably, your remaining teeth begin to shift into that open gap.

The Dental Bridge Treatment Process 

Getting a dental bridge is a relatively straightforward process. You can expect that your family dentist near Corpus Christi will take the following steps:

1. Your dentist will examine your mouth and treat tooth decay or gum disease. They will take an x-ray and measurements of your teeth and mouth.
2. The dentist will file down the two healthy teeth on either side of the gap.
3. A mold will be made of the gap so your dentist can construct your bridge.
4. In some situations, your dentist may fit you with a temporary bridge while they create your new permanent bridge.
5. Once your custom-made permanent bridge is ready, it will be attached to those two teeth on either side of the gap using special dental cement. In some situations, your dentist may anchor the bridge with a dental implant, which has been previously surgically implanted into your jaw.

Tooth Replacement Alternatives

Dental bridges are a great way to fill the gap left behind by missing teeth, but other options exist. If you are missing one or more teeth, your dentist will likely discuss the following options before determining the right treatment plan.

• Removable partial dentures
• Removable complete dentures
• Dental implants

Dentures are the quickest tooth replacement option and are common when patients do not have healthy gum tissue or sufficient bone density. To qualify for dental implants, patients need to have good oral health and the proper bone density to support their implants. Dental bridges are a great middle-ground for patients who want a more permanent solution than dentures but aren’t candidates for dental implants, or for patients who aren’t ready for an invasive procedure.

Contact your family dentist near Corpus Christi to learn if a dental bridge is the right option for you.

If you have been living with missing teeth, now is the time to bring that to an end. With tooth replacement options, such as dental bridges, dentures, and dental implants, you can restore your oral health and set yourself on a path to improved self-confidence. Request a consultation with Orchard Dental Associates to learn more.