When you lose one or more teeth, then you need a dental prosthetic to fill the gaps and return the smile to full function and appearance. In today’s blog, your Newhall, CA, dentist will explain how we create a custom and lifelike dental bridge, and why you should see us to address even very minor tooth loss.

The Benefits of Treating Tooth Loss

Losing even one tooth could mean an increased risk of misalignment, as teeth tend to drift when there is a gap in the smile. Poor alignment alone means a higher likelihood of tooth decay and gum disease. A gap in your smile could also impact your bite balance, which increases the risk of TMJ disorder and teeth grinding grows. By filling the gap, you can eat and speak without difficulty, and you can avoid many of the complications related to untreated tooth loss.

Creating and Placing a Dental Bridge

To begin, we will need to remove a bit of structure from the teeth on either side of the gap in your smile. Our team will gather images, impressions, and measurements of your smile, using the information to design and craft a dental bridge. The finished product will consist of your new teeth, with crowns attached to each end. We place the crowns on the prepared teeth, which secures your new ones firmly. Since we tend to create them from ceramic and other lifelike materials, your bridge will look natural and blend seamlessly with your smile.

Keeping Your Prosthetic Strong

With the right care and attention, your new prosthetic could last up to 15 years before requiring replacement. You should brush your teeth when you wake and again before bed, your bridge included, for two minutes each session. We suggest a toothbrush with soft bristles and a toothpaste that contains fluoride. You also need to floss before bed. In addition, be sure to clean the space between the top of your gums and the bottom of your prosthetic, where food particles could accumulate. We also want you to attend regular checkup and cleaning visits every six months so we can monitor you smile and also remove plaque buildup, which could threaten the teeth your prosthetic is attached to. If you have any questions about addressing tooth loss, or about how we create and place a lifelike and custom dental bridge, then contact our team today to learn more and schedule your next consultation.

Do You Have Missing Teeth?

For people with one or more missing teeth, we may offer a lifelike and durable tooth replacement. To learn more about how we replace lost teeth with lifelike prosthetics, then please schedule a consultation by calling Newhall Dental Arts in Newhall, CA, today at (661) 259-7760.