Losing a tooth could mean serious complications for your smile, in the immediate future and in the months to come. But we can help prevent these and fill the gap in your smile with a dental bridge. In today’s blog, Dr. Robert M. Browne talks about placing dental bridges for patients in Prairie Village, KS, struggling with tooth loss.
How We Lose Teeth (and What Happens to Our Smile)
What happens to cause a tooth to be lost? Minor tooth loss could be due to an unfortunate accident that injures your smile and knocks a tooth out. You could also have a severe cavity or infection that was not treated, so the tooth is lost or extracted to protect your smile. If you have periodontitis, then this advanced stage of gum disease could be responsible. We will assess the cause of your tooth loss in case we need to manage the issue with treatment.
When you lose a tooth, this open space could increase the risk of misalignment, as teeth could shift. Misalignment brings with it negative changes to your smile’s appearance, and a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease. If you have a larger gap of two to three missing teeth in a row, you could also be more susceptible to TMJ disorder, bruxism (teeth grinding), and even issues with meals or speech. But we can help protect your smile with a dental bridge!
Help with a Dental Bridge
A dental bridge provides a durable and lifelike dental prosthetic that can fill gaps in the smile, addressing a single lost tooth or as many as three in a row. We will begin by numbing the teeth on each side of the gap and then gently remove structure from them. We then take images and impressions of the area and use these in a lab setting to design and craft a bridge, a prosthetic that contains new teeth with crowns on each side. The prosthetic is made from ceramic, which can offer a lifelike appearance and durable chewing surface.
Placing Your Dental Prosthetic
When we have completed your new bridge, we will attach the crown portions to your prepared teeth, securing your new ones in place for years to come. With proper care and attention, your new prosthetic could last for up to 15 years in some cases. If you have any questions about our dental prosthetics, then contact our team today to learn more and start your treatment journey.
Dr. Browne, DDS, Offers Tooth Replacement
With replacement teeth, we have a way to ensure your smile stays full, even, and functional. To find out more about our approach to prosthetic dentistry, or to schedule an appointment, please call Dr. Robert M. Browne, D.D.S. in Prairie Village, KS at (913) 901-8585.
