General Dentistry FAQ: When Is a Dental Bridge Recommended?

A general dentistry office provides many important services, including replacing missing teeth. Many Americans have multiple decayed or missing teeth. But finding the ideal replacement is vital for a beautiful and healthy smile. One common option is a dental bridge.

General dentistry and tooth replacement

A bridge is a dental restoration that is usually used to fill the space where one or several teeth are missing. A patient who is considering getting a dental bridge should get the facts about the restorations. Knowing how they help and when a dentist may recommend them can be beneficial. Here are some frequently asked questions about dental bridges.

Benefits of a dental bridge

A general dentistry office always recommends the replacement of missing teeth to avoid the consequences. Teeth are supposed to work together. When a person loses a tooth, the neighboring teeth may end up tilting or drifting into the empty space left by the lost tooth. The teeth in the opposite jaw often also shift up or down toward the empty space. This can cause a myriad of problems.

It can affect the bite, place excess stress on the teeth as well as the jaw joints, and even cause pain. It will also make it difficult to clean the teeth. This will increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. The bone may also shrink when a tooth is missing. This may end up changing the way the jawbone supports the cheeks and lips. And over time, this can make someone’s face look different.

Dental bridges can be used by dentists to fill the gap left by either one or more teeth. They can help restore the smile and maintain the shape of a patient’s face. They can also restore someone’s ability to chew and speak properly. By replacing lost teeth, bridges help to properly distribute forces in the bite. Bridges also prevent the remaining teeth from slowly drifting out of position.

Types of dental bridges

The main types of dental bridges are traditional, Maryland, cantilever, and implant-supported. Traditional bridges can help when natural teeth surround a gap or missing tooth on both sides. It consists of two or more dental crowns and a filler or false tooth. The number of false teeth needed will depend on the number of lost teeth that are being replaced.

Maryland bridges are often suitable for replacing missing teeth at the front of the mouth. Metal or porcelain bands are often used to bind the replacement tooth to the back of adjacent natural teeth. The good thing with this option is that it is not necessary to remove the enamel of the adjacent teeth. The bridge does not have to be held in place by dental crowns.

Takeaway

A dental bridge is a great choice for people missing either one or more teeth. A general dentistry office may recommend different types of bridges depending on your needs. Contact your dentist today to find out if dental bridges may be right for you. Make sure you ask any questions that you may have about them.

Request an appointment here: https://www.oaktreefamilydental.com or call Oak Tree Dental at (703) 763-5239 for an appointment in our McLean office.

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