Wisdom teeth extractions or tooth loss as a child do not need to be replaced, however most other instances of adult tooth loss should be followed by replacement. Losing a tooth as an adult leads to effects on your appearance, abilities to speak, bite, and chew, problems for your other teeth, and potential bone loss in your jaw. Replacing a tooth can minimize these negative effects. When is a dental bridge the right replacement option?
How Does a Dental Bridge Work?
A dental bridge functions very similarly to an architectural bridge in that it spans a gap. A dental bridge can consist of one to three prosthetic teeth, which are known as pontics, that can fill in a gap created by a missing tooth or teeth. If there is more than one missing tooth, the teeth will need to be contiguous (in a consecutive row). Along with the pontics, the bridge is anchored by crowns placed on the healthy teeth surrounding the gap, known as the abutment teeth. Dental implants can support the abutment teeth crowns if there are no healthy teeth to support the bridge.
Can a Bridge Be Supported by an Implant?
As mentioned above, a dental implant can support a bridge if there are no healthy teeth to do so. An added benefit to a bridge being supported by an implant is that an implant can help protect against bone loss. When a tooth’s roots no longer stimulate the jawbone, the bone can lose density causing it to soften and change shape. A soft jawbone is a weak jawbone that may not be a strong foundation for your remaining teeth. If it softens and changes shape, your bridge may no longer fit correctly into your mouth. An implant can help provide stimulation and protect against bone loss.
A Bridge Can Restore One or More Teeth
If you have lost one or more adjacent teeth, a bridge can offer supportive restoration. 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.