Losing a tooth is a serious issue that impacts your entire life. Even if the empty space cannot be seen when you smile, tooth loss causes many significant issues. There are several causes of tooth loss, including periodontal disease, facial trauma, and more. At The Dentists at North Cypress, we can provide a replacement for a missing tooth with a bridge.
One of the most obvious effects of tooth loss, depending upon the location, is the impact that tooth loss has on the quality of your smile. Even if the empty space cannot be seen, however, there are still many significant effects. These include:
• Trouble biting and chewing.
• Poor digestion, which can then lead to poor nutrition.
• Difficulty speaking. You may develop a lisp or other speech issues. • Your risk for cavities, gum disease, and tooth damage increases.
• Shifting teeth. Over time, your adjacent healthy teeth begin to shift into the empty space. Your bite alters, which can lead to bruxism and TMJ issues. Even if the missing tooth is out of view when you smile, shifting teeth can lead to spacing or overcrowding issues.
A bridge is a traditional restoration used to replace a missing tooth. There are several different types of bridges. The most common type, however, is a fixed bridge.
Typically made from porcelain or ceramic, this restoration consists of a false, or pontic, tooth, which fills in the empty space left behind by your missing tooth. It is designed to match the size and shape of the tooth it is replacing. The bridge also has two dental crowns, one on each side of the pontic tooth. These crowns function to anchor the bridge onto the adjacent healthy teeth, called abutment teeth, holding the restoration securely in place.
Placing a bridge typically requires two appointments. During the first appointment, the abutment teeth are prepared. This process requires the removal of a portion of the enamel from each tooth. This is necessary to reduce them in size, which ensures that your bridge will fit naturally and comfortably in your mouth. After the teeth have been prepared, an impression is taken. The impression is sent to a dental lab, where it is used to design and fabricate your bridge. A temporary restoration is set into place until your final bridge is finished. Your second appointment occurs after the bridge has been completed. It is checked for fit and bite and bonded onto the abutment teeth.
It is possible for a ceramic bridge to be designed and created in a single appointment thanks to CEREC technology. After preparing your abutment teeth, a digital impression is taken. Software is used to design your bridge right in our office. After we have completed the design phase, the information is sent to an in-house milling unit. Your bridge is milled from a single piece of ceramic. After it is finished, it is checked for fit and bite. Any necessary adjustments can be made right away. When you are satisfied, the bridge is bonded into place. You leave your appointment with your final bridge, your smile and oral health perfectly restored.
There are many benefits associated with a bridge.
• You can bite and chew normally again.
• Your speech is restored.
• Your digestion and overall nutrition are improved.
• Your risk for cavities, gum disease, and tooth damage is reduced.
• Your adjacent teeth are prevented from shifting out of alignment.
With a bridge, we can replace a missing tooth, restoring the functions of that tooth and your quality of life. For more information and to schedule your appointment, call The Dentists at North Cypress today at (281) 664-8100.