Do You Need a Dental Bridge If You Are Missing Teeth?

For many people, losing teeth is a hassle. Teeth are necessary for several reasons, and those who go through life missing teeth will often unfortunately face ridicule. But if you are missing teeth, one of the complicating factors is the fact that there is no single “correct” way to solve the issue of missing teeth. In some cases, but certainly not all, a dental bridge may be recommended. Below, we’ll go through some of the basics of dental bridges and dental crowns to help determine whether this solution may be the answer to your issue of missing teeth.

What is a Dental Bridge?

When you visit your dentist in Lenoir NC and discover that you need a tooth, or multiple teeth, pulled, you may be concerned about replacing the tooth as soon as possible. Your dentist may bring up the possibility of dental bridges, but few people know what these actually are. A dental bridge involves two dental crown being placed on healthy teeth on the outside of the missing tooth. These “bookend” teeth are called abutments. Between these abutments is an artificial tooth, which is anchored to the abutments. This is where the term “bridge” comes from–an artificial tooth is “bridged” between healthy teeth.

When Would I Need a Dental Bridge?

Dental bridges are usually designed to replace one or more missing teeth. They can help preserve your facial shape and allow you to speak more clearly than when your teeth were missing. However, if you are missing a large portion of your teeth–enough that there are insufficient teeth to act as abutments–then this option may not be the best one for you. Though a bridge with multiple false teeth can be made, it may not be the right solution if there is a huge amount of space between the dental crowns placed over the abutments.

Your dentist in Lenoir NC is the only one who can say for sure if a dental bridge is right for you. If he or she determines this is the right choice, you and your dentist can determine what type of dental bridge is right for you, and you’ll need to set aside time for a few visits to perfect the fit of the bridge. In time, you’ll be smiling confidently and feeling your best.