General dentists are responsible for restoring and replacing teeth that are lost due to decay or accidents. Unfortunately, the teeth are prone to both, making it so that treatment is necessary. A common treatment used in general dentistry for tooth restoration and replacement is a dental bridge. Having a dental bridge placed can make life a lot easier and improve oral health quite a bit. Continue reading to find out when and how they are used.
A quick guide to dental bridges
Below is an overview of dental bridges, including what they are and when general dentists recommend them. This information can be helpful to understand, especially for those who think they require a restoration.
Tooth decay
When teeth are in bad shape due to decay, a general dentist will of course attempt to salvage and restore them. However, in some severe cases, the tooth may have to be extracted. The result is an empty space, which will require something to be placed in order to avoid damage to the gums, shifting of the adjacent teeth, or other oral health problems. When this happens, the dentist may likely recommend a dental bridge. The bridge acts as a replacement for the decayed tooth.
Tooth replacement
General dentists most commonly recommend dental bridges for individuals who have missing teeth. They work best when there is a single missing tooth spaced between two other remaining teeth. Because a bridge literally bridges the gap between two other teeth, this works out well for singular missing teeth.
Compared to other tooth replacement options, dental bridges require less work. The procedure itself is not terribly invasive, and there are not as many appointments required. Of course, the piece is custom made, which can take a couple of weeks maximum; however, outside of that, it is a relatively simple and straightforward process.
What else to know
It is also good to know that a general dentist may not always recommend a dental bridge. The adjacent teeth on either side of the empty space have to be healthy, sturdy, and evenly aligned in order for a dental bridge to be successful. If these qualifications are not met then another type of treatment may be advised, such as a dental implant and crown combination.
Additionally, after a dental bridge is placed, it is important to understand that while it acts like a natural tooth, it is a prosthetic piece, which requires extra care and handling. Good oral hygiene and avoiding sticky and hard foods can go a long way in keeping the bridge intact.
Find out more from a general dentist
Dental bridges can be quite beneficial for oral health. The first step to getting started is to talk directly with a general dentist. Any questions or concerns about the process can be appropriately addressed, and an evaluation can be performed. To learn more or to get scheduled for an appointment, reach out today.
Request an appointment here: https://www.grandviewdentalcolorado.com or call Grandview Dental at (303) 997-0232 for an appointment in our Aurora office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Aurora, CO.
Recent Posts
One of the best people to talk to about keeping good daily oral hygiene practices is your general dentist in Aurora. With their years of knowledge and experience with the latest technology and best practices, this is the best person to answer and guide a patient in the daily practices involved with a healthy smile.In…
General dentistry visits allow for routine dental care, as well as preventive measures. Patients of all ages can greatly benefit from regularly seeing a general dentist. Regular appointments give the dentist a chance to check for abnormalities and catch any warning signs early on. Preventive treatment can then take place to ensure good oral health…
Regular dental cleaning maintains or improves your oral health. For example, dentists include routine deep cleaning in long-term treatment plans for patients who live with gum disease. Dental cleaning is also important for smokers who have otherwise healthy teeth. This piece goes over the routine for dental cleaning.Dental practices prefer to offer first-line treatment rather…
Although a dental cleaning appointment sounds specific to having the teeth cleaned, there are other services included in these appointments, all of which help ensure good oral health. Good oral health is essential because it encourages the rest of the body to also be in good health. To understand the entire scope of dental cleaning…