When you lose a small number of teeth in a row, or just one, then you may benefit from the placement of a dental bridge. Addressing tooth loss quickly means safeguarding your smile against serious complications, and your Celina, TX, dentist has two different methods of securing a custom-made prosthetic. In today’s blog, we’re talking about how we ensure your bridges last!
The Dental Bridge
What is a dental bridge? The prosthetic itself consists of new teeth, which we refer to as pontics, with dental crowns attached to each end of them. We create them from materials like ceramic. Not only is this material durable and able to absorb daily bite forces, but we can tint it to blend with your smile. We create them based on detailed impressions and measurements we take of your smile, which ensures a good fit and a lifelike appearance too. Typically, they address between one and three lost teeth in a row.
Crown-Supported vs. Implant-Secured
There are two very different options available. The traditional one requires the removal of structure form the teeth on each side of the gap, called abutment teeth. The prosthetic lasts between 10 and 15 years before requiring replacement as the jaw ridge changes shape. However, we can also support them with dental implants. We insert these into the smile, where they act as new roots. We attach the crowns to them instead of abutment teeth, meaning we secure natural tooth structure. The implants stimulate the growth of jawbone tissue, preserving the jaw ridge and allowing your prosthetic to last for decades to come, maybe even a lifetime in some cases! We will take a number of factors into account when we prescribe one of these, choosing the best one for your smile.
Keeping Your Smile Strong
Following placement, you can take steps to not only prevent further tooth loss, but to also preserve your prosthetic too. We suggest brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes, and floss every night before bed. These actions help remove food particles and control plaque buildup. A cleaning every six months removes harmful buildup, preventing issues linked to tooth loss like gum disease and advanced tooth decay. If you have any questions about caring for your smile and preventing the onset of tooth loss, then contact our team today. We want to make sure you enjoy a whole, functional, and beautiful smile for many years to come.
Your Celina, TX Dentist Talks Tooth Replacement
At our Celina, TX dentist’s office, we understand that addressing tooth loss means preserving the health and beauty of your smile, helping you avoid major oral health complications. Find out more about custom solutions for missing teeth by calling Celina Family Dentistry at (214) 851-0130.
Recent Comments