A dental bridge is a great way to address minor tooth loss, and supporting them with dental implants provides even greater results. Otherwise, untreated tooth loss could cause problems for the health, function, and beauty of your smile. In today’s blog, your Santa Rosa, CA, oral surgeons talk about dental implant bridges.
The Factors Behind Minor Tooth Loss
How do we lose one of our natural teeth? A tooth could be lost due to an injury, or as the result of an untreated cavity or infection. But the most common cause is actually gum disease, or more accurately, the advanced state known as periodontitis which destroys the tissues connecting the teeth and gums. When you have minor tooth loss, such as two to four missing teeth in a row, we could help address this with a dental implant bridge. Replacing this missing tooth can help prevent complications like misalignment, or even TMD and bruxism. Since the missing root causes the surrounding jawbone structure to close mass and density, this can also prevent further tooth loss too.
Dental Bridges
The bridge portion contains the replacement tooth or teeth, known as pontics, with dental crowns attached to each end. With a traditional one, the natural teeth on either side of the gap, known as abutment teeth, would need to lose structure. But with the implant option, we can preserve the natural teeth. Using digital imaging, we can create a 3D impression of the smile and use it to design the prosthetic. The prosthetic will be crafted from materials like ceramic, which can look natural and be shaded to blend with the smile. The material also provides a durable chewing surface too!
Support With Dental Implants
Our team will use digital technology to guide dental implants into place, usually one to two per bridge. The body will accept them as new roots, and this keeps them sturdy and in place for years to come, possibly decades. Once they’re placed and the area heals, we will attach the crown portions of the prosthetic to them, securing the new teeth firmly in place and preventing negative changes to the jawbone’s mass and density. Your new teeth can now last for decades, possibly a lifetime! We can also use full or partial dentures secured with dental implants for more severe cases of tooth loss.
If you have any questions about rebuilding your smile, then contact our team today to learn more.
Do You Have Questions About Prosthetic Dentistry?
Our team is here to help replace your missing teeth. To learn more about treating tooth loss with a dental prosthetic, then schedule a consultation by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery in Santa Rosa, CA, today at 707-545-4625.