Nobody’s smile is perfect, dentists know this. But if yours has particularly large gaps or you’re missing one or multiple teeth completely, it’s a wise idea to seek out restorative dental treatment. These spaces can invite bacteria to gather which can lead to an infection. Your remaining teeth can also start to shift to fill them which harms your bite pattern.
To avoid these issues and more, you may want to consider talking to your dentist in Richmond Hill about receiving dental bridges. This is a reliable solution that will help preserve your smile for multiple years. To learn more, please contact our local dental clinic.
Reasons to Acquire a Dental Bridge
So, your dentist has recommended receiving a dental bridge – what does that mean, exactly?
A dental bridge is a unique type of prosthetic that’s created to fill in gaps in your smile; this is done by inserting a pontic (artificial tooth) into the empty socket, then attaching dental crowns to the surrounding teeth to keep it in place.
Porcelain is often the material of choice when it comes to fabricating this structure because 1) it is durable, 2) resistant to many types of stains, and 3) it blends in very well with your natural teeth; no one will be able to tell that you’ve had dental work done.
There are 4 different forms of bridges available to you: a traditional bridge, which is the one described above; a Maryland bridge which incorporates a metal-and-porcelain framework; implant-supported bridges; and a cantilever bridge, which only adheres to one tooth instead of two.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Noted below are the most common reasons why a dental bridge is a good solution to repair your smile and get your oral health back to where it should be:
- Prevent any unnecessary shifting of your natural teeth.
- Decrease the risk of tooth decay.
- Fixing the aesthetic appearance of your smile.
- Helping you bite and chew better.
- Helping you talk more clearly; missing teeth may cause you difficulty when it comes to pronouncing certain words.
- Boosting your self-confidence.
Receiving dental bridges near you can save you time, stress, and money in the future. The sooner you take steps to restore your smile, the need for potentially more complex treatments in the future significantly decreases. However, not everyone is eligible for this process; you’ll need to speak with your dentist prior to having any official dental work done. They’ll invite you to come in so they can examine your oral cavity and take x-rays; this allows them to establish an accurate picture of the state of your dental health and determine the most suitable path forward.
Risks Involved
As is the case with every health treatment, nothing is 100% perfect. Though visiting a dentist near you to have a bridge installed is very safe and the process itself is extremely reliable, boasting a high success rate, it is still important to be aware of the complications that might arise:
- A poorly fitting bridge. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it won’t do much good to keep your teeth aligned and healthy. Even though your prosthetic is customized to fit the dimensions of your mouth
- Susceptible to tooth decay. Dental bridges are indeed sturdy, but they are still vulnerable to damage if you don’t practice good oral hygiene. Decay can weaken your teeth and the bridge will no longer be useful.
- Sensitivity. If your bridge doesn’t fit properly, it can cause irritation and lead to sensitivity when you eat and drink. If you’re experiencing such a symptom and it doesn’t fade, see a dentist as soon as you can.
Set Up an Appointment with Us
Have questions about getting dental bridges in Richmond Hill? At Carrville Family Dentistry, we’re here to assist you with anything you need, whether that’s explaining the ins and outs of a particular process, helping you stay comfortable while your dentist works, or arranging a time to come in for an appointment.
You can reach our team via phone call, email, or, if it’s more convenient, feel free to stop by our location and talk to a staff member in person. We look forward to being a part of your dental journey.