Dental Bridges
Clackamas OR
Tooth loss can occur for many reasons. You might lose a tooth as a result of facial trauma or as a result of gum disease. In some cases, the tooth falls out on its own and in other cases, the tooth may need to be extracted because it cannot be restored. When you lose a tooth, it is important to have it replaced as soon as possible. At Sunnyside Dentistry, we can provide tooth replacement with a dental bridge.
The Effects of Losing a ToothLosing a tooth has several significant effects on your life. | • |
Biting and chewing become more challenging. When you cannot chew properly, you cannot fully break down your food. This makes it more difficult for your body to digest what you eat. This can impact your overall nutrition.
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Your speech may be affected.
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Your risk for cavities, gum disease, and tooth damage increases.
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Your teeth begin to shift out of alignment, altering your bite. Even if you have lost a tooth at the back of the mouth, where it does not immediately affect your smile, shifting teeth can affect your smile and the health of your mouth. |
What is a Bridge?A bridge is a traditional restoration for replacing a missing tooth. There are a few different types of bridges that may be used, including a cantilever, a Maryland or resin bonded, and a fixed bridge. Fixed bridges are the most common types used. This particular bridge consists of a pontic, or replacement tooth that fills in the empty space and two dental crowns. The crowns sit one on each side of the pontic tooth and function to hold the restoration securely in place on the adjacent healthy teeth.
Replacing Your Missing ToothIt typically takes two appointments to place a bridge. During the first appointment, we prepare the abutment teeth, or teeth that will hold the restoration in place. Done under a local anesthetic, a small amount of the enamel is removed from each abutment tooth. After the teeth have been prepared, an impression is then taken of your mouth. The impression is sent to our dental lab, where the bridge is designed and created. At your second appointment, the bridge is checked to ensure that it fits properly and comfortably in your mouth and that it blends in with the rest of your surrounding teeth. If no adjustments are needed, the bridge is bonded into place on the abutment teeth.
Benefits of A BridgeA bridge provides you with several significant benefits. | • |
You can bite and chew normally. This helps to improve your digestion and overall nutrition.
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Your speech is restored.
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You regain your smile, as well as your confidence. A bridge is typically made from ceramic, a material that can be made to blend in perfectly with the rest of your natural teeth. Ceramic can be stained to perfectly match the color of your natural teeth, and it also reflects light similar to natural tooth enamel.
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The bridge helps to prevent the teeth from shifting out of alignment, which can aid in preventing issues like bruxism and uneven tooth wear. |
Losing even a single tooth is an issue that should be addressed right away. Call Sunnyside Dentistry at (503) 451-5104 today to schedule your consultation and find out if a bridge is right for you.
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