Missing teeth are more than just a cosmetic dental issue. If the tooth is not replaced, over time the surrounding teeth will start to shift into the gap, causing problems for your bite, as well as affecting how you speak and chew food. You have many options for replacing lost teeth, such as dental implants and partial dentures. Yet, one of the most popular alternatives is the dental crown and bridge.
To place a dental bridge, the dentist first files down the abutment teeth to prepare them to get the crowns. Then, the bridge is placed on the gums. Lastly, dental crowns are placed over the filed-down abutment teeth and bonded in place to protect the teeth and to hold the bridge in place.
A dental bridge has several benefits over partial dentures. Unlike dentures, a bridge does not come out, so you do not need to worry about it slipping or pinching the gums. As a result, you can eat all of the foods you love, like corn on the cob and barbecue, since the bridge functions just like your natural tooth. In addition, you should not experience and changes in speech since the dental crown on the bridge replaces your lost tooth as exactly as possible. Dental bridges do not need any special treatment or care as they are not removable. As a result, you can brush the dental crown and floss around it just as you would your natural teeth.
Bridges also have some notable advantages over dental implants, which are another popular choice for replacing a lost tooth. Dental implants need surgery to put them into place, and as the dental implant must heal before the dental crown can be attached, you may be required to wait a period of three months or more before your artificial tooth can be put in place. A dental bridge, on the other hand, can hold more than one dental crown and it only requires one procedure no matter how many crowns are attached to the bridge. In addition, bridges are usually less costly than dental implants.
A dental crown and dental bridge device can last for many years if it is cared for properly and if you visit a dentist for regular examinations. They appear completely natural so unless someone examines your teeth, no one will know that the dental crown attached to the dental bridge is not your natural tooth. Best of all, these devices are usually a very cost effective and minimally invasive option for replacing your lost tooth. Contact your dentist today to learn about crown and bridge devices, and to find out all of your options for replacing your missing tooth.
You can visit PhilipShindlerDDS.com for more information. Dr. Shindler, Westlake Village dental crowns, bridges specialist can use this treatment to replace lost teeth.