When you have lost a tooth, or up to three in a row, then you may need a prosthetic to restore function and beauty to your smile. For minor tooth loss, we could create and secure a dental bridge. In today’s blog, your Austin, MN, dentists talk about how we craft your new bridge, and the benefits of an implant supported one.
The Causes and Dangers of Tooth Loss
We could lose teeth to an injury, or as a result of an untreated case of dental infection. However, the most common cause is actually periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease. When we lose teeth this complicates how we eat and could lead to us missing our favorite meals and essential nutrients. The gaps in your smile could allow misalignment to develop, further harming your oral health. The changes to your bite’s balance could also mean the onset of TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding). Trouble speaking is possible, and since the body will divert nutrients away from the jawbone around the missing tooth, the jaw could lose structure and cause further tooth loss and an older appearance.
Creating Your Prosthetic
We want to custom-make your prosthetic. To begin, we will examine your smile to identify and treat the underlying causes of your missing teeth. Next, we take detailed digital images and measurements, which we employ to design and craft a dental bridge. The prosthetic will be made from materials like ceramic, which is durable and can be shaded to blend with your smile. A bridge contains new teeth with crowns attached to each end. For a traditional one, we will place the crowns onto the natural teeth on either side of the gap. This bridge could last about 10 to 15 years. We could also insert dental implants and place the crown on them, for a more secure and longer-lasting option. We will help you choose the best option for your smile!
Maintaining Your New Smile
Whether crowns or implants secure your bridge, daily care is needed to help your prosthetic last, and to safeguard the rest of your smile. We recommend brushing and flossing your teeth every day, and also cleaning the spaces between the top of the gums and the bottom of the prosthetic, where food particles could accumulate. You should also see us every six months for a checkup and cleaning so we can keep an eye on your smile! If you have any questions, then give our team a call today.
Talk To Your Austin, MN Dentist About Treating Missing Teeth
We would like to help you enjoy a complete smile again. To find out more about how we replace your missing teeth, then contact your Austin, MN, dentists, Dr. Potach and Dr. Mitchell, by calling 507-437-6312.
