What happens if I have a missing tooth? A Dental Bridge may be the answer.

If you’re missing one or more teeth, you may notice a difference in chewing and speaking. A missing tooth is a serious matter.

Why is a missing tooth a serious matter?

Teeth are made to work together. When you lose a tooth, the nearby teeth may tilt or drift into the empty space. This can affect your bite and place more stress on your teeth and jaw joints, possibly causing pain. Bridges can help restore your smile and health.

What are some options for a missing tooth?

Sometimes called a fixed partial denture, a bridge replaces missing teeth with artificial teeth and literally “bridges” the gap where one or more teeth used to be. Bridges can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain or a combination of these materials and are attached to surrounding teeth for support. Unlike a removable bridge, which you can take out and clean, a fixed bridge can only be removed by a dentist.

An implant bridge attaches artificial teeth directly to the jaw or under the gum tissue. Depending on which type of bridge your dentist recommends, its success depends on the foundation. So, it’s very important to keep your remaining teeth healthy and strong.

To learn more about bridges, call our office or visit the American Dental Association’s consumer information site called Mouth Healthy at www.MouthHealthy.org.

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