Bridge the gap of missing teeth with dental bridges in Centerville, OH
Your smile can be your best asset, but it can also be one of your worst. Missing teeth can affect your appearance and strip you of the confidence to participate in social and professional activities. Dental bridges are a common restorative and cosmetic procedure used at Alex Bell Dental to restore smiles for patients currently experiencing natural tooth loss.
Tooth loss can occur for a variety of reasons. Some patients lose teeth due to trauma or injury. Others may have teeth extracted because of disease or decay.
Common Risk Factors for tooth loss from disease include:
- Age (over 35)
- Gender (Male)
- Lack of professional dental care
- Ineffective oral hygiene
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
Once it’s determined that a dental bridge is necessary, Dr. Cobb will prepare your mouth by recontouring the abutment teeth (the existing teeth adjacent to the gap). Impressions will then be made to fabricate the bridge. Dr. Cobb will prepare and place a temporary bridge to protect the exposed teeth while the bridge is being made.
In a subsequent appointment, the temporary bridge will be removed and the new one placed. Dr. Cobb will take the time to ensure a proper fit and bite. Once Dr. Cobb is satisfied that the fit is correct, the bridge will be permanently cemented into place.
With proper care, including good daily oral hygiene, bridges can last for up to fifteen years and possibly even longer! You will have an easier time speaking and chewing food with a dental bridge than you did when you were missing teeth.
Dental bridges are an effective way to improve the appearance and function of your smile when one or more teeth are missing. Patients who are missing an entire arch of teeth will want to ask about other restorative procedures such as full dentures.
If you are in the Centerville, OH area and would like to learn more about crowns and bridges as a way to address missing teeth, call our office today and schedule an appointment.
Back to Cosmetic Dentistry Page
