Your teeth are important for more than aesthetic reasons. Each tooth is invaluable to your oral and general health. Not to mention, the appearance of your smile affects your self-esteem and quality of life. If you’ve lost a tooth or two, you don’t have to struggle with an incomplete smile any longer. We can turn back the clock with a dental bridge in Arlington. Your new teeth will look and feel natural for a close replica of your real teeth.
A dental bridge is the most common solution to treat 1 to 4 consecutive lost teeth. Your dentist in Arlington will take an impression of your mouth to recreate the surfaces of your teeth from all-ceramic material. They are customized to match your real teeth, so no one will know they aren’t your own. Not only will a bridge restore your confidence, but also your oral health by protecting your remaining teeth. You’ll avoid common issues caused by tooth loss, like cavities and gum disease.
There are multiple options to treat missing teeth. Your dentist will examine your mouth and learn more about your preferences to determine which type is right for you, including:
A traditional bridge is recommended to replace 1-2 missing teeth. Although it can treat up to 4, a longer restoration can lack stability. After creating the bridge to fill the space, your adjacent teeth are reshaped to allow dental crowns to be fitted over them. Your bridge will be held in place using your natural teeth for support. With the right aftercare, a bridge and crowns can last 5 to 15 years before needing to be replaced.
As an alternative to a traditional bridge, you can benefit from an implant-retained method. 1-2 dental implants are surgically placed into your jaw to serve as your tooth roots. It doesn’t rely on your teeth for support, making it a suitable option to support a larger restoration without stability concerns. Unlike a regular bridge, an implant solution can last for decades with the proper maintenance to enjoy a long-term investment.
Tooth loss doesn’t have to cause irreversible damage to your smile or self-esteem. Replacing your lost teeth is the smart choice because you’ll enjoy several benefits, including:
Tooth loss can affect more than just your appearance – it can impact your quality of life as well. Fortunately, you no longer have to live with gaps in your smile. At Encore Dentistry, we offer dental bridges to replace your missing teeth. Even though they are a trusted tooth-replacement solution, it’s understandable to have some questions before committing. Below, we’ve answered some frequently asked questions from patients about dental bridges in Arlington. If you don’t see your question, be sure to contact our team.
No, since dental bridges are designed to stay in your mouth for years after they’ve been placed. You shouldn’t be able to take the restoration out by yourself – only a dental professional can do that. While you may have heard partial dentures referred to as “removable bridges,” that’s not accurate. One of the most notable differences between partials and bridges is that partials can be removed at any time.
Dental bridges can replace a single missing tooth or several in a row. As a result, they are ideal for patients who are missing 1-4 teeth. If you are unsure whether dental bridges are right for addressing your specific dental needs, then don’t hesitate to schedule a personal consultation with our dentist in Arlington – she will help you decide.
Dental bridges typically last 5-15 years. The longevity of yours depends on a few factors like the materials used, the location of the dental bridge in your mouth, and how well you care for your smile. To elaborate, high-quality materials (we use all-ceramic material) will naturally last longer than cheaper alternatives that are a short-term solution at best. The location matters as well since dental bridges toward the back of your mouth withstand a lot more pressure from chewing. And, of course, your oral hygiene routine will impact the condition of your teeth, gums, and dental bridge.
Before your procedure, we’ll numb your teeth with a topical anesthetic to ensure you’re completely comfortable. After your teeth are prepared to support a dental bridge, they may feel slightly sensitive for the next few days. The good news is you can easily manage your discomfort by taking over-the-counter pain medication as needed. If you’re receiving an implant bridge, you may experience mild soreness after your oral surgery. However, diligently following your aftercare instructions will help keep your pain to a minimum.
It’s best to replace your missing teeth as soon as possible, but it’s never too late to rebuild your smile. If you’re ready to fill the gaps, contact our office today to schedule your consultation for a bridge. We look forward to restoring a stunning, functional smile with a high-quality, natural-looking bridge.