Losing a permanent tooth as an adult is never a pleasant experience. It can happen for any number of reasons:
- A sporting injury
- An auto accident
- Direct trauma or impact
- Periodontal (gum) disease
- Extraction due to decay
Whatever the reason may be, if you have lost a tooth, there is no need to panic! The wonders of modern dentistry have allowed many options for replacing a missing tooth. There are varying selections designed for people in different situations in terms of both health and finances. One of the more popular options is a dental bridge. A dental bridge entails permanently replacing the missing tooth with a pontic (a manmade replica of your natural tooth). This option allows you to replace one or more missing teeth and restore your smile to the way you’d like it to look and feel.
How does a dental bridge work?
When you lose a tooth, it creates a gap between the remaining teeth. A dental bridge connects these remaining teeth, forming a ‘bridge’ that includes a replacement tooth (pontic) as well partial pieces that connect to the surrounding teeth, known as abutments. Since the bridge is attached to neighboring teeth, it fits firmly in place. Your dentist will help you get your customized bridge created so it has a natural fit and matches the color of your existing natural teeth. Often, the neighboring teeth will need to be treated to allow the pontics to be firmly affixed.
What are dental bridges made of?
Traditional bridges are commonly made from porcelain which can be fused to metals or ceramics. The exact materials that will be used for your dental bridge will often depend on your individual circumstances. This may depend on factors like the health or condition of your remaining teeth. In any event, bridges are intended to mimic the strength of natural teeth, so you can expect that they will be extremely durable. Porcelain and ceramics might make you think of fragile pottery, but these materials can become much stronger when heated at higher temperatures.
What are the benefits of dental bridges?
There are many advantages to dental bridges. They are effectively permanent when compared to a solution like a partial denture. Partial dentures are removable devices that replace the tooth, but some people find them uncomfortable, and they can slip around in the mouth, affecting chewing and eating. Bridges, on the other hand, are affixed to other teeth, allowing them to function quite similarly to a natural healthy tooth. The replacement tooth can also be customized to look just the way you would like, giving it a natural look.
If you are looking for an Indianapolis dentist offering dental bridges, crowns, veneers and more, consider Hall Family Dentistry! We are a judgment-free family practice, and our only goal is to give our patients healthy and beautiful smiles they love to show off! If you think that dental crowns might be the right choice for you and you’d like to learn more, call our office today at (317) 356–0919. You can also schedule an appointment online.