A dental bridge is designed to span
the gap left by one or a few missing teeth, and besides adding fullness to your
smile, it also reestablishes your ability to bite and chew comfortably. Unlike
smiling, though, biting and chewing produces different levels of pressure that
your dental bridge should be able to withstand. With that said, a significant part of your
natural teeth’s strength is their support system, which consists of
roots embedded within your jawbone that a conventional dental bridge can’t
replace.
Issues with Conventional Dental Bridges
A traditional dental bridge possesses one, two, or sometimes
three replacement teeth, along with an additional dental crown on either side. The
outside crowns are bonded to the healthy teeth adjacent to the gap, called
abutment teeth, to permanently support the bridge between them. Although sturdy
and highly-effective, dental bridges lack the support that makes your healthy
teeth so strong. In many cases, Dr. Smith may prefer to preserve your healthy
tooth structure and recommend one or more dental implants, instead.
How Dental Implants are Placed
The parts of your teeth that dental bridges replace are
called crowns, and only sit above your gum line. A dental implant is a
prosthetic device that’s surgically inserted underneath your gums and into your
jawbone, like a tooth’s root. Each implant is made with biocompatible titanium,
and as your jawbone heals, it fuses to the implant’s surface in a process
called osseointegration. Once your jawbone has healed, your implant(s) will be
a permanent part of your anatomy, and can offer unmatched support for your new
dental bridge.
The Long-Term Integrity of Implant Bridges
With a foundation held firmly in your jawbone, your
replacement teeth can better and more comfortably absorb your bite’s pressure,
prolonging the life of your dental prosthesis. By replacing your lost teeth’s
roots, dental implants also provide stimulation when you bite and chew that
helps maintain an adequate flow of nutrients to your jawbone. Without roots, your jawbone can slowly lose density due to reduced stimulation, and only dental implants can help preserve your jawbone's integrity after suffering tooth loss.
About Your Grand Prairie Dentist:
Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced
general, cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He
takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter
our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he
offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether
you’re a new or returning patient, you can schedule a consultation or your next
appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting
us at (972) 262-5111.
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