Minor tooth loss may seem like an issue you can ignore, but over time this can lead to serious complications for your oral health. But our team can help prevent these complications with a custom dental prosthetic. In today’s blog, your Prairie Village, KS, prosthodontist talks about our dental bridges.
Assessing the Severity of Your Tooth Loss
When you lose a tooth, even a single one, we want to see you right away! Our team will conduct a detailed examination to assess the factors behind your tooth loss, so we can recommend treatment to manage the issue and prevent further tooth loss. If you have between one to three lost teeth in a row, then our team could recommend a dental bridge. To get started, our team will numb the abutment teeth, the ones on each side of the gap. We then remove structure from them to make room for crowns, and take detailed images and measurements of your smile from multiple angles.
Creating Your Dental Prosthetic
Once we gather the images and impressions we discussed above, we can use them in a dental lab setting to design and fabricate your new bridge. The prosthetic will consist of new teeth with crowns on each end. The bridge is made from ceramic, which is not only strong and durable, but can be shaded to blend with your smile. We then connect the crown portions to the prepared teeth to support new ones firmly. Your prosthetic can last about 10 to 15 years before requiring replacement, as the jaw ridge will gradually change shape and alter the fit. The prosthetic will allow you to smile with confidence and eat your favorite foods again.
Dental Implant Option
Instead of relying on abutment teeth, we could also insert one or to two dental implants into your arch and connect the bridge to these. Since the body sees implants as natural roots, this prevents changes to your jaw ridge, enabling your new teeth to stay in place for decades to come, potentially even a lifetime. They then look and function like natural teeth. Whether you have a traditional or implant-supported option, we will discuss proper care and maintenance to ensure your new teeth can last, and to help lower the risk of further tooth loss.
If you have any questions about how our team will design and place a bridge, or about preventing tooth loss, then contact our team today to learn more.
Ready for a Custom Dental Prosthetic
We don’t want your oral health and quality of life to suffer due to tooth loss, which is why we offer a solution. If you or a member of your family has one or more missing teeth, then call your Overland Park and Prairie Village, KS prosthodontist, Dr. Stuart Dexter, DDS at (913)362-8200.