A Dental Bridge Can Replace A Lost Tooth

A missing tooth can put a damper on your confidence in your smile. It can also throw off your normal jaw functions, and put you at risk for more tooth loss. Because even one lost tooth can have functional and cosmetic ramifications, prosthetic replacement options are recommended. If you are missing one tooth, or a few sequential teeth, a dental bridge can restore your smile. A dental bridge is secured by neighboring teeth, and provides a degree of support that enables you to use them like normal teeth. They are also designed to fit in with your natural teeth.

How A Dental Bridge Is Placed

Having a dental bridge crafted and placed will typically require two visits. The first visit will enable your dentist to take necessary measurements, and prepare your neighboring teeth, which will need to be crowned. On the second visit, the crowns are placed over the teeth on either side of your gap, with the replacement tooth (or teeth – a bridge can be created that addresses several adjoining absences) affixed to its position. The surrounding crowns offer additional stability, so that the bridge is able to perform daily tasks without loosening.

Responding To Different Levels Of Tooth Loss

A bridge can replace a single tooth, or a few teeth. What about tooth loss that is non-adjacent? Or total tooth loss? In these scenarios, you can replace lost teeth with partial or full dentures. Partial dentures are designed to fit around your remaining teeth, while full dentures completely replace upper or lower teeth. If your neighbor teeth are not healthy enough to be crowned, your dentist can also secure a replacement tooth with a dental implant, which is fused to your jawbone, and becomes the functional equivalent of a tooth root.

About The Author

Dr. Brian Evans

Dr. Brian Evans, the current owner of Wager Evans Dental, initially worked as a CPA before transitioning to dentistry to make a greater impact on people's lives. He joined his father-in-law to expand a three-decade-long legacy in the northern Nevada community, eventually taking over the practice. Dr. Evans prioritizes a comfortable environment for his patients and stays at the forefront of dental technology and medical techniques through continuous education and advanced training, focusing on oral and systemic health.

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