A Bridge is Only as Strong as its Support System

A dental bridge is designed to span the gap left by one or a few missing teeth, and besides adding fullness to your smile, it also reestablishes your ability to bite and chew comfortably. Unlike smiling, though, biting and chewing produces different levels of pressure that your dental bridge should be able to withstand. With that said, a significant part of your natural teeth’s strength is their support system, which consists of roots embedded within your jawbone that a conventional dental bridge can’t replace.

A traditional dental bridge possesses one, two, or sometimes three replacement teeth, along with an additional dental crown on either side. The outside crowns are bonded to the healthy teeth adjacent to the gap, called abutment teeth, to permanently support the bridge between them. Although sturdy and highly-effective, dental bridges lack the support that makes your healthy teeth so strong. In many cases, Dr. Smith may prefer to preserve your healthy tooth structure and recommend one or more dental implants, instead.

The parts of your teeth that dental bridges replace are called crowns, and only sit above your gum line. A dental implant is a prosthetic device that’s surgically inserted underneath your gums and into your jawbone, like a tooth’s root. Each implant is made with biocompatible titanium, and as your jawbone heals, it fuses to the implant’s surface in a process called osseointegration. Once your jawbone has healed, your implant(s) will be a permanent part of your anatomy, and can offer unmatched support for your new dental bridge.

With a foundation held firmly in your jawbone, your replacement teeth can better and more comfortably absorb your bite’s pressure, prolonging the life of your dental prosthesis. By replacing your lost teeth’s roots, dental implants also provide stimulation when you bite and chew that helps maintain an adequate flow of nutrients to your jawbone. Without roots, your jawbone can slowly lose density due to reduced stimulation, and only dental implants can help preserve your jawbone’s integrity after suffering tooth loss. 

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you’re a new or returning patient, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.