Types Of Tooth Loss For Dental Bridges

A bridge is a restorative dental device that is used to replace lost teeth. The appliance consists of false teeth that are connected to dental crowns. For a conventional dental bridge, the false teeth are usually located in the center of the device. A crown is on each end of the appliance. 

The crowns connect the bridge to the mouth. Each crown is placed over an abutment tooth or a dental implant. As the crowns are cemented into place, the bridge is permanently fixed into position.

A dental bridge beautifies the smile and restores the ability to chew. There are many types of tooth loss for which a dental bridge is suitable. Here are a few of them.

Tooth Loss From Periodontal Disease

Gum disease may begin with a small amount of gingival inflammation. The symptoms of the earliest stage of gum disease, which is called gingivitis, may present as bleeding and soreness of the gums. However, if the condition is not corrected, it can progress to more severe forms of periodontal disease, such as periodontitis. 

Periodontitis can cause pockets or spaces to form between the gums and the teeth. These spaces can permit oral bacteria to infect the teeth and the jawbone. As the jawbone becomes infected, it does not hold the teeth as firmly. Thus, the teeth may begin to loosen and eventually fall out. 

A dental bridge is a suitable tooth-replacement device for teeth that are lost to periodontitis. However, it is important to control and reverse the severity of the gum disease before the appliance is placed. A healthy jawbone is still necessary for the abutment teeth and dental implants to remain firmly in place to provide stabilization for the dental bridge.

Teeth Knocked From the Mouth

If a tooth is lost due to a traumatic blow to the mouth and cannot be reintegrated into the oral cavity, it can be replaced by a bridge. The gap or space that is left by the lost tooth is filled by the false tooth of the bridge. 

To prepare the mouth for the insertion of the bridge, the abutment teeth must be slightly reduced. The tooth material is removed to accommodate the bridge crowns without altering the bite or causing the smile to appear unnatural-looking. After the bridge is in place, the teeth should appear uniform.

If you are interested in receiving a dental bridge, contact the office of a local dentist to schedule an appointment.