When you lose a tooth, replacing it and addressing the exposed gap in your smile could be crucial for ensuring better oral health, and a smile you’ll feel proud to show the world. In order to help residents of El Paso, TX, obtain a full smile once again, our team may suggest a custom-made dental bridge, one that could even be secured with dental implants!
The Causes and Complications of a Missing Tooth
Injuries could lead to a lost tooth, as could an advanced case of tooth decay or infection. The most common cause is actually gum disease, as this impacts millions of Americans and the advanced stage could lead to the break-down of the tissues connecting your teeth and gums, leading to adult tooth loss. Unless addressed, the gap in your smile could cause teeth to begin drifting, the resulting misalignment increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Missing teeth also place pressure on the jaw joints, upsetting bite balance and increasing the risk of painful disorders like TMD and bruxism (teeth grinding). For more severe cases, trouble eating or speaking clearly could become an issue as well.
Creating Your Bridge
By bridging the gap in your smile, you prevent these complications and ensure you enjoy a full and beautiful smile once more. We will take detailed impressions of your smile after we remove structure from the natural teeth on either side of the gap, known as abutment teeth. The prosthetic will contain your new teeth with crowns attached to each side. The crowns are placed onto the abutment teeth, which secures your new ones, known as pontics, in place. The prosthetic could last between 10 and 15 years before requiring replacement, and we can address between one and three lost teeth in a row.
Support with Implant Dentistry
Dental implants are inserted into the jawbone and act as new tooth roots, which stimulates the growth of jawbone tissue and prevents changes to the shape of the jaw ridge. When used to support bridges, this means the prosthetic could last decades, possibly even a lifetime. If you have missing teeth, then we may offer a bridge supported with crowns, or possibly a longer-lasting one secured with multiple dental implants. If you have any questions about tooth loss or possible solutions to missing teeth, then contact our team today to learn more.
SUNNY SMILES IN EL PASO PROVIDES NEW SMILES
At Sunny Smiles in El Paso, TX, our team wants to help protect smiles of all ages from the dangers and poor oral health that is caused by one or more missing teeth. For more information, contact our N. Zaragoza dental practice by calling 915-849-9000.