When you lose one tooth, or up to three in a row, then you may benefit from a prosthetic. Replacing your missing teeth prevents major complications, and ensures you continue to smile with confidence. In today’s blog, your Austin, MN, dentists will explain how we replace missing teeth with a custom-made set of crowns and bridges.
The Causes of Missing Teeth
Why do we lose a tooth in the first place? The cause could be linked to an untreated cavity or infection, one that leads to tooth loss or requires a tooth to be extracted to prevent the spread of infection. You could also lose one due to injury too. However, the most common cause is periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease, which could lead to gaps in your smile. Unless treated, tooth loss is linked to misalignment and strained jaw joints due to changes in the bite balance, which in turn means the onset of complications like tooth decay and gum disease, as well as TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding). However, by replacing your missing teeth you avoid these potential complications!
Creating Your Lifelike Crowns/Bridges
To begin, we need to numb the area around the missing teeth and then remove structure from the teeth just on each side of the gap. These are known as abutment teeth. Next, we take a series of detailed digital images and measurements, which we use in a dental lab setting to design and create your new prosthetic. The resulting bridge will contain new teeth, known as pontics, and crowns attached to each end. They will be crafted from porcelain, which mimics the translucent nature of enamel and can be color-matched to blend with your smile. The material is also strong and durable, so you can absorb daily bite forces and eat your favorite foods again.
Maintaining a New Smile
When we complete your bridge, we place the crowns on the abutment teeth to secure your pontics firmly in place. Afterward, routine care will ensure they last for many years to come. You should brush and floss, including around your prosthetic, and also clean the space between the top of your gums and the bottom of the prosthetic, where food particles could become trapped. Be sure you see us for a checkup and cleaning every six months too. If you have any questions about how we address tooth loss or create a lifelike and durable prosthetic, then contact our team today to learn more.
Do You Have a Lost Tooth?
Our team is ready to help you enjoy a full smile again by creating a custom-made and long-lasting prosthetic. Be sure to contact Potach and Mitchel Dental in Austin, MN, today at 507-437-6312. We want you to enjoy your best possible smile, and avoid potential complications due to one or more missing teeth.
