General dentists are responsible for restoring and replacing teeth that are lost due to decay or accidents. Unfortunately, the teeth are prone to both, making it so that treatment is necessary. A common treatment used in general dentistry for tooth restoration and replacement is a dental bridge. Having a dental bridge placed can make life a lot easier and improve oral health quite a bit. Continue reading to find out when and how they are used.
A quick guide to dental bridges
Below is an overview of dental bridges, including what they are and when general dentists recommend them. This information can be helpful to understand, especially for those who think they require a restoration.
Tooth decay
When teeth are in bad shape due to decay, a general dentist will of course attempt to salvage and restore them. However, in some severe cases, the tooth may have to be extracted. The result is an empty space, which will require something to be placed in order to avoid damage to the gums, shifting of the adjacent teeth, or other oral health problems. When this happens, the dentist may likely recommend a dental bridge. The bridge acts as a replacement for the decayed tooth.
Tooth replacement
General dentists most commonly recommend dental bridges for individuals who have missing teeth. They work best when there is a single missing tooth spaced between two other remaining teeth. Because a bridge literally bridges the gap between two other teeth, this works out well for singular missing teeth.
Compared to other tooth replacement options, dental bridges require less work. The procedure itself is not terribly invasive, and there are not as many appointments required. Of course, the piece is custom made, which can take a couple of weeks maximum; however, outside of that, it is a relatively simple and straightforward process.
What else to know
It is also good to know that a general dentist may not always recommend a dental bridge. The adjacent teeth on either side of the empty space have to be healthy, sturdy, and evenly aligned in order for a dental bridge to be successful. If these qualifications are not met then another type of treatment may be advised, such as a dental implant and crown combination.
Additionally, after a dental bridge is placed, it is important to understand that while it acts like a natural tooth, it is a prosthetic piece, which requires extra care and handling. Good oral hygiene and avoiding sticky and hard foods can go a long way in keeping the bridge intact.
Find out more from a general dentist
Dental bridges can be quite beneficial for oral health. The first step to getting started is to talk directly with a general dentist. Any questions or concerns about the process can be appropriately addressed, and an evaluation can be performed. To learn more or to get scheduled for an appointment, reach out today.
Request an appointment here: https://lonetreedentistry.com or call Lone Tree Dentistry at (925) 301-4286 for an appointment in our Brentwood office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Brentwood, CA.
Recent Posts
Like the primary care physician, the general dentist should be one of your most important sources for maintaining good health. This dental professional can spot troubling issues in your mouth but also provide ongoing maintenance. When you choose a dentist, you can take the entire family, regardless of the person’s age or the severity of…
General dentistry involves maintaining good oral health, which includes keeping the enamel of the teeth strong and healthy. The enamel is the outer surface of the teeth, which protects the inner portions. Maintaining healthy enamel is not difficult; however, it is important to know how to do so. Keep reading to find out more!Outlined below…
Regular visits to the general dentist for a Dental Checkup are vital for anyone who wants to maintain good oral health. Oral hygiene is important, and even with daily brushing and flossing, there is a chance that undetected oral issues such as cavities and receding gum lines could be present, which might require a proper…
Everyone wants to keep their smile white and healthy for as long as possible, and a complete dental exam every six months is the best way to achieve this goal. You want to find a dentist you are comfortable with, establish a good relationship, and keep up with your oral health. Many patients suffer from dental…