Minor tooth loss could still mean major complications for the health and appearance of your smile. To address minor cases of missing teeth, your Newhall, CA, dentist may suggest creating a custom-crafted bridge, one designed specifically for your smile, and to last for many years to come!
The Benefits of Replacing Missing Teeth
When you lose a tooth, this could mean major complications for your smile. For example, the gap could cause nearby teeth to actually move, drifting from position to cause misalignment. The resulting misalignment itself increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. The strain from a missing tooth could impact your bite balance and jaw joins, making the onset of TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding) more likely. Tooth loss also complicates how you eat and speak, and could be a source of embarrassment, impacting your social life. Addressing your missing teeth means better oral health and a more attractive smile.
Creating a Lifelike Dental Bridge
Each prosthetic we create and place is custom-made specifically for our patient’s smile. To begin, we will need to administer a numbing agent and remove structure from the natural teeth in either side of the gap. We refer to these as abutment teeth. Next, detailed digital images and measurements will be taken of these teeth, used to create a 3D model and to design and craft the prosthetic in a dental lab setting. The finished product will be made from materials like ceramic, which can be color-matched to blend with your smile, and also absorb daily bite forces. The bridge contains new teeth with crowns attached to each end.
Placement and Care
When your prosthetic is ready, we will check the fit and make any necessary adjustments. Next, we attach the crowns to the abutment teeth, which firmly secures your new teeth in place. The prosthetic will look and function like natural teeth, and could last as long as 15 years. To keep them strong, and to safeguard remaining natural teeth, you should brush and floss daily, avoid tobacco products, and eat a healthier diet. You also benefit from a checkup and cleaning visit every six months. With routine care, your natural teeth stay in place and your prosthetic can last for many years to come.
If you have one or more missing teeth, even if you have lost all of your teeth, talk to our team. In addition to bridges, we also have full and partial dentures and dental implants!
Do You Have Questions About Prosthetic Dentistry?
Newhall Dental is ready to help you finally obtain a full smile again. Contact our Newhall, CA office at (661) 259-7760 to learn more about treating your tooth loss by creating and placing a lifelike and long-lasting dental bridge.