Most people are aware of the cosmetic issues surrounding missing teeth. However, there are health concerns as well. If you have missing teeth, bacteria and plaque have extra places to accumulate. That can lead to gum disease and the loss of even more of your teeth. Those gaps in your smile will allow your remaining teeth to drift out of alignment, which could cause them to contact one another at improper angles, damaging to your teeth. Missing teeth can create problems when you speak or eat.
A simple, effective way to replace missing teeth is with a dental bridge. It takes two appointments to place a dental bridge in your mouth. In the first appointment, the enamel on the two teeth on each side of the gap is filed down to accommodate crowns which will serve as anchors for your new bridge. An impression is made of the area, which is then sent to a lab so your bridge can be crafted. When it is ready, you will return to the dentist’s office to have the permanent crowns and bridge placed.
If you care for your bridge properly, it should last over ten years. Your bridge needs the same care as your other teeth, which means you should brush twice a day, floss before bed, and continue to see your dentist for your regular cleanings and appointments. If you have trouble flossing around your bridge, you should try a proxybrush, which is designed to reach all of the spaces between your teeth. It is important that you take care of the teeth that have the crowns, since they hold your bridge in place. If you have problems with your bridge or the crowns, you should contact your dentist right away.
If you are considering replacing missing teeth, come in and talk to Dr. Jordan Risinger or Dr. Joe Mike Murphy. If you live in the Athens, Texas, area, call 903-675-9118 to make an appointment at Athens Advanced Dental. We’ll be happy to give you an exam and discuss your options with you.
