Dental Bridges Address Tooth Loss and Restore the Smile

Oct 13, 2015

A large goal of professional dental care is helping patients to maintain the health and strength of their teeth. However, we understand that dental complications do occur. The teeth are exposed to a lot of wear and tear and sometimes damage is inevitable. In these cases, our goal shifts to restoring the strength and health of the smile so that a person’s oral functions are not compromised. This is especially important in the case of tooth loss, which can greatly affect oral functions as well as the health of adjacent teeth. A dental bridge can replace one or more missing teeth to help patients restore the function of their teeth and enhance the appearance of their smile. For those who are candidates for dental bridges at our Bridgeport practice, Dr. Phillip DeJesus will provide the highest level of quality dental care.

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Dental Bridge Candidates

When it comes to tooth loss, there are several restorative options to explore. Dr. DeJesus looks at each patient’s individual needs to determine if a dental bridge is the best treatment option. Below are some signs that a patient may be an ideal candidate for dental bridge treatment:

  • The patient has healthy gums that are free of gum disease
  • The patient has experienced the loss of one or more teeth from a single area of the mouth
  • Oral functions or aesthetics have been compromised by tooth loss
  • The patient has two strong and healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth or teeth

If a patient exhibits all of the above qualities, then Dr. DeJesus is likely to recommend a dental bridge in order to span the space of missing teeth and restore a complete and beautiful smile.

Dental Bridge Treatment

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that is anchored by a dental crown on either side of the pontic piece (the piece that is fabricated to resemble the patient’s missing teeth). This is why it is so important that a dental bridge candidate has two healthy teeth surrounding the area of tooth loss. The first part of dental bridge treatment will be reshaping these two adjacent teeth and treating them with dental crowns.

When dental crowns are in place, the dental bridge will fill in the gap left by the missing teeth, and the function and beauty of the smile will be restored. Dr. DeJesus works very carefully when planning dental bridge treatment to ensure that patients enjoy a comfortable fit that feels like an extension of the natural teeth.

Schedule an Appointment

If you have experienced tooth loss and would like to learn more about your options for restoring your smile, schedule an appointment with Dr. Phillip DeJesus at your earliest convenience. Dr. DeJesus can examine your teeth to determine if you may be an ideal candidate for a dental bridge or if you are better suited for one of our additional restorative treatment options. We look forward to hearing from you!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified dental professional to determine the best dental/orthodontic treatment for your needs.