dentalbridges

Missing Teeth Are Problematic

If you are missing a tooth due to extraction, injury, or infection, replacing it is vital to restoring your dental health. Without replacing a missing tooth, you risk malocclusion. Because each tooth acts as a placeholder, the teeth surrounding a gap tend to move out of place to compensate for the void left behind.

 

Additionally, the remaining teeth experience more strain in this position, which can cause excessive tooth wear, erosion of the enamel, and vulnerability to bacteria and plaque.

Dental Bridges Prevent Malocclusion

Preventing the harmful effects of a missing tooth requires restorative dentistry services. One of the treatments we offer for a missing tooth or missing adjacent teeth is a dental bridge. Made of porcelain, the artificial replacement tooth fills the hole left behind and attaches to the adjacent teeth, also known as the abutment teeth. Crowns placed on the abutment teeth act as the framework for the bridge. Since the abutment teeth are attached to the artificial tooth, they will not drift out of place and create complications such as malocclusion or excessive tooth wear.

Maintaining a Dental Bridge

A fixed restoration, the dental bridge must be cared for in the same way as natural teeth but with some extra steps to maintain optimal oral hygiene. Dr. Oliviero may recommend a special flossing appliance that threads underneath the dental bridge to remove food particles. Otherwise, the dental bridge can be brushed and flossed like natural teeth. The durable material of the crown stands up to daily tooth pressure, but the bridgework should be regularly inspected at checkups to ensure its integrity.

Ways to Replace a Missing Tooth

Dental bridges are just one dental restoration that can fill the void from a missing tooth. At our dental office in Lynbrook, Long Island our restoration services include:

  • Dentures: an acrylic replacement for patients with no teeth or many missing teeth
  • Implant dentures: a set of artificial teeth anchored by several dental implants
  • Partial dentures: a removable prosthetic that attaches to your healthy teeth and replaces multiple missing teeth
  • Dental implants: a porcelain crown attached to a titanium rod that is implanted into the jawbone

Learn more about how to restore your smile.