When you lose a tooth, or a few in a row, then you need to see our team for a dental prosthetic. The gap in your smile could allow nearby teeth to drift, creating misalignment that changes the appearance of your smile and increases the risk of cavities and periodontal concerns. Missing teeth could lead to stress on the jaw joints due to bite imbalance, creating the perfect environment for TMJ disorder or bruxism (teeth grinding). Missing teeth could also be a source of embarrassment and even limit meal options and clear speech! But we can help with a custom dental bridge.
The prosthetic will bridge the gap in your smile. To begin, our team will numb the teeth on each side of the empty space in your smile, known as the abutment teeth. We gently remove structure from them and then take detailed images and impressions of them with digital technology. In a dental lab, we will employ these measurements and images to design and craft your new prosthetic. This will contain new teeth, known as pontics, with crowns on one or both ends. Made from ceramic, the prosthetic will be color-matched to blend with the smile, and will be able to handle daily bite forces and pressures too.
With a traditional option, we will attach the crown portion to the abutment teeth, securing your new teeth for as long as 10 to 15 years in many cases. But! We could also insert one or two dental implants into the jaw. These will act like tooth roots and fortify the jaw, allowing them to stay in place for decades to come. We then attach the crown portions to them, so you have new teeth that can last far longer. Our team can help you decide which one is right for you, the traditional or the implant-secured option. We will also discuss good habits to keep your new prosthetic strong and in place, lasting for years to come.
If you have any questions about how we take on minor tooth loss with a lifelike bridge, or if you want to know which option is right for you, then contact our team today to learn more.
Our team wants to help you smile with confidence by taking on your missing teeth! When you are ready to schedule your appointment with our office, contact Pecan Tree Dental in Grand Prairie, TX at 972-262-5111.
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