Missing a tooth as an adult is typically the result of some sort of negative event, such as severe tooth decay leading to a necessary extraction or a extreme damage. Unlike wisdom teeth extractions or tooth loss as a child, most adult teeth need to be replaced. A missing tooth as an adult leads to a void in the smile, effects on your abilities to speak, bite, and chew, danger for your other teeth, and bone loss in the jaw. Replacing the tooth can minimize these negative effects caused by a missing tooth. A dental bridge can be a great replacement option.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
Just like an architectural bridge, a dental bridge spans a gap. A dental bridge consists of one to three prosthetic teeth, known as pontics, that can fill in a gap from the missing tooth or teeth. If there are more than one missing tooth, they will need to be contiguous. The dental bridge is anchored by crowns placed on the healthy teeth surrounding the gap, known as abutment teeth. Dental implants can support the crowns if there are no healthy teeth to support the bridge.
Implant-Supported Bridge
A benefit to a bridge supported by an implant is that an implant can decrease your risk of bone loss caused by tooth loss. When a tooth is missing from your mouth, the roots and nerves no longer stimulate the jaw bone. This causes the body to determine that the bone is useless; the body will then deem it unnecessary for the bones to keep minerals. The body will no longer send minerals to the jaw bone, and it will begin to take the minerals away in a process called bone resorption. Over time, the bone will lose density, soften, and change shape. A weakened jaw bone is not a strong foundation for your remaining teeth. An implant can provide the stimulation that will keep the body believing the bone is useful.
A Dental Bridge Can Replace One or More Teeth
If you have lost one or more adjacent teeth, a bridge can offer supportive replacement. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling E-Care Dentistry, PA in Olathe, KS, today at 913-210-1701. We also proudly serve patients from Overland Park, Lenexa, Leawood, Gardner, and all surrounding communities.