What Are Dental Bridges and How Do They Function?

Have you lost your tooth or teeth of late because of injury, natural causes, or a medical condition? You may be wondering what you can do to restore your smile. A missing tooth or teeth can leave an unsightly gap, which is more than just a cosmetic issue. You will also experience pain when chewing, problems caused by a change in your bite, and discomfort in the jaw.

One popular solution to overcome this problem is to research dental bridges near you and have one placed in your mouth. If you have not gone through this procedure earlier, it would be helpful to understand the process and what to expect.

Dental Bridges — What Are They?

When you have gaps between your teeth because of a lost tooth, it will also cause your other teeth to become loose. Dental bridges can be the right solution for you as they will close the gap where your missing tooth exists and create a natural appearance by helping to restore the tooth.

You can find four types of dental bridges when you discuss your options for a dental bridge in Columbia with the dentist. The dentist will evaluate which option is best for your situation. The most common among the four is a traditional bridge that includes one or more false teeth held in place with crowns. The crowns are attached to the teeth next to your lost one.

You may also be offered a cantilever bridge by dental bridges in Columbia. This variety requires a single crown on one side of your missing tooth. Another option offered will be conservative Maryland bridges that need a metal framework or porcelain to hold the false tooth in position. Maryland bridges are not as strong as those that are bonded in; therefore, teeth that absorb a lot of chewing force will not be suitable for this variety.

The final variety is the implant-supported bridge, which can be used if you have more than one tooth missing in your mouth. The dentist will suggest one implant for every tooth, holding the bridges after they are secured in your jawbone for maximum stability.

The Placement of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges do not require surgery, so you will be awake during the procedure. However, if you are anxious or nervous, you can ask your dentist to provide mild sedation to help you relax. The dentist will also numb the area with the local anesthetic before the procedure.

The dentist will be taking impressions and measurements of your mouth before placing a dental bridge. This is to ensure the customized bridge fits properly and feels comfortable. You are unlikely to feel any pain during the procedure because of the anesthesia, but you will be required to keep your mouth open for several hours. You may, therefore, experience some discomfort. Your teeth will be compromised during the placement, and your dentist may place temporary crowns to protect them until your permanent dental bridge is ready for placement.

What Is the Functionality of Dental Bridges?

You will be affected in different ways when you have some missing teeth or a tooth. A dental bridge is capable of addressing those changes and providing you with benefits by:

Restoring your smile, your ability to chew properly, and your speech and pronunciation. It can also maintain the shape of your face and readjust your bite to distribute the chewing force properly. Most importantly, it can prevent your remaining natural teeth from shifting out of place from their correct position.

Dental Bridges and Their Benefits

Dental bridges can offer you many benefits. This simple cosmetic solution can provide an appealing result to eliminate the space left by the missing tooth or teeth and provide you with a uniform and beautiful smile. When you visit the dentist offering dental bridges in Columbia, SC, you will realize that a missing tooth or teeth do not have to impact the appearance of your smile and the overall condition of your mouth. Dental bridges in Columbia will only be offered after looking at your situation and recommending them as a treatment choice for your missing teeth.