Dental Bridge
Chandler, AZ
A missing tooth, or several teeth, can be disastrous to the health of your mouth. Missing, severely decayed, or extracted teeth can lead to infection and neighboring teeth shifting or more, but by creating a proper replacement we can help you have a confident smile. At Posh Dental, we can restore your missing teeth by creating and permanently placing a dental bridge. Following an evaluation with Dr. Gabriel, we can make recommendations based on your needs and create a treatment plan that is best for you, which may include a dental bridge.The Problem With Missing Teeth
It may not seem like a big deal, just a single missing tooth. Many patients do not understand why a single missing tooth could be a big deal, but there are several problems that can arise from a missing tooth including:
| • | Avoiding Food: Many patients find that they can no longer eat certain foods due to one or more missing teeth. |
| • | Avoiding Smiling: Your smile, and how it looks, can make a significant impact on your self-confidence. Patients with missing teeth may find themselves hiding their smile to avoid others seeing their missing teeth. |
| • | Extra Wear Along with avoiding certain foods, some patients may only chew on one side of their mouth. When a patient chews unevenly, they create extra wear on their remaining teeth, which will then also require restoration. |
| • | Teeth Shifting: With space left open where a tooth once was, your neighboring teeth now have room to shift. This may not seem like a big deal, as dentists and orthodontists frequently create space, but the difference is that when a dentist or orthodontist creates space, it is being done under their control. A missing tooth leaves space for teeth to drift without control. |
| • | TMJ Dysfunction: When teeth drift, it alters your bite. A bad bite can lead to TMJ dysfunction, which means poor alignment of your jaw. Many patients with TMJ dysfunction report soreness, clicking, popping, or even the inability to open or close their mouth. Some patients report ear pain, eyebrow pain, and even migraines associated with a bad bite. |
How a Dental Bridge Works
Dental bridges are placed to replace one or more missing teeth. There are several types of fixed dental bridges, which we can review with you before placement, but most patients receive what is known as a traditional fixed bridge. Before placement, we will need to establish the anchors. If healthy teeth are being used as the anchor teeth, they will need to be shaped to receive the bridge before placing.
A dental bridge uses two anchors with a false tooth or multiple false teeth between. A dental bridge is a single piece that fits over two anchors on either end; the anchor can be a healthy tooth or a dental implant, the false tooth is between. After the device has been fitted for comfort and adjusted as needed, Dr. Gabriel then cements the bridge into place. In just two dentist appointments, you can have your missing tooth restored, and none will be the wiser. Your dental bridge will allow you to chew normally, and to also show off a beautiful smile.
For more information or if you'd like to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at (602) 562-9565 today!
