Dental Bridges
in Charlotte, NC
When you have a missing tooth, your problems are not over yet.
Because the tooth is no longer there to support the adjoining teeth, they can begin to shift position in your mouth. This will cause those teeth to be misaligned or even become loose. The hole, where the missing tooth once lived, becomes a trap for food and bacteria which can lead to conditions such as gum disease. In some cases, when the root and bone are exposed, serious problems can arise without proper cosmetic dental treatment.
Looking after your oral health.
A dental bridge – usually permanently fixed – is a replacement for the missing tooth. Although there are occasions when the bridge will come loose, they usually last a lifetime. Looking after your oral health, once the bridge is fixed, should help you avoid any issues. The bridge itself needs to be molded from an impression of the vacant space where the tooth needs replacing.
What is involved?
If you have one or more missing teeth, Dr. Walford will carry out an exam and decide if a dental bridge is the best option for you. The bridges are placed by cementing them to natural teeth or implants. The reason that the bridge is cemented to your other teeth is to ensure that it stays in place. The teeth are known as abutments and will need a crown, which are molded to retain the original shape and structure of the teeth.
There are a number of different materials used to create dental bridges. While the choice is ultimately yours, in most cases, Dr. Walford will discuss options with you to ensure that the bridge stays fixed for the longest time possible. The purpose of a dental bridge is to restore functionality of the tooth and allow you to eat and drink as normal, without pain and discomfort.
