Dental Bridges to Replace Missing Teeth

When you are missing teeth, it can be difficult to eat and speak properly. It can also be embarrassing to smile. Dental bridges are a great way to replace missing teeth and restore your smile! At our dental office in El Paso, TX, we offer dental bridges to our patients who are missing teeth. A dental bridge literally bridges the gap created by one or more missing teeth.

Do you think you might be in need of a dental bridge? Here’s some info to consider.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a prosthetic (artificial) tooth that spans the gap between teeth formed by the loss of a tooth. Therefore, in order for the restoration to work, it must be anchored to one or more neighboring teeth, which your dentist will file down.

Bridges don’t entirely replace the function of a lost tooth, as dental implants do. Instead, they attach a crown to one or more of your surrounding teeth, which serves as a buttress for the missing tooth’s space.

Who needs a dental bridge?

Dental bridges might be necessary if you have a damaged tooth or teeth that need to be replaced. The most frequent reasons for tooth loss are cavities, gum disease, and injury. You must have healthy teeth on either side of the missing teeth in order to receive a dental bridge.

Dental Bridge Procedure

A traditional dental bridge usually takes at least two appointments with the dentist, each lasting about an hour to an hour and a half. During the first visit, your anchor teeth or implants are prepared to accept the crowns that will keep the bridge in place. The dentist will also take molds of your teeth to custom design your new bridge. After the initial visit, molds of your teeth are sent to a dental laboratory, where a bridge is constructed which takes about a week.

Your second trip is to install and secure the bridge. If you have root canals on one or both of your anchor teeth, however, you’ll probably need to make one or more visits to the dentist before starting the dental bridge procedure. After the bridge is installed, you may need one or more visits to ensure it feels and functions properly.

5 Benefits of a Dental Bridge

Dental bridges can provide several benefits to people who have missing teeth. The spaces in your smile might push other teeth toward the gap or cause jaw deterioration over time. Here are some health benefits of getting a dental bridge.

Smile Restoration

You can’t put a price on a pleasant, healthy grin. After dental bridge treatments, many patients feel more self-assured. Have you ever attempted to hide your smile in a group photo or been uncomfortable about it? Dental bridges might help you live a healthier life by replacing your missing teeth.

Better Bite and Chewing Ability

You may have trouble or even pain when consuming your favorite meals if you have tooth loss. The teeth surrounding the empty space may be shifting toward it, causing discomfort. Food particles, for example, may accumulate in the vacant socket where your tooth came from and cause gum damage. For long-term relief from discomfort, while eating, we recommend dental bridge therapy. Eating shouldn’t be an activity that causes you discomfort on a daily basis. Make an appointment with our tooth restoration dentist right away.

Improved Speech

If you have lost multiple teeth, you may have difficulty pronouncing certain words or develop a lisp. Teeth have a significant impact on how you form words in your mouth. Dental bridges are used to repair speech issues caused by tooth loss.

Maintain Your Facial Structure

Did you know that after losing a tooth, your jawbone begins to deteriorate? The nerve cells in your jawbone are stimulated by tooth roots, and without this stimulation, the jawbone begins to deteriorate. The severe deterioration of the jawbone might lead to additional tooth loss and a hollowing out of your face.

Prevent Shifting Teeth

Teeth are connected so if a tooth is lost, neighboring teeth may migrate into the vacant spot. Your opposite jaw’s teeth might also shift up or down toward the gap. This can cause bite problems, chewing difficulties, pain from the extra stress on your teeth and jaw, or self-consciousness about the way you look or your smile

How long do dental bridges last?

Dental bridges will last at least five to seven years in general. The bridge may survive for more than ten to fifteen years if properly cared for with regular professional cleanings and good oral hygiene.

Schedule a Dental Bridge Consultation Today!

If you think a dental bridge is right for you, please schedule an appointment today. We would love to help you achieve the smile of your dreams! Give us a call at 915.566.3927 or click the button below to book an appointment. We look forward to meeting you soon!