Dental Bridges:

Dental bridges are designed to replace missing teeth. Whether your tooth is missing because of extraction, damage, or never having erupted, Dr. Jacqueline Zoma at Zoma Dental in West Bloomfield Township will determine if you are a good candidate for a dental bridge. You can restore the functionality, durability, and appearance of your smile with this long-lasting dental restoration.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge works exactly as its name implies – it bridges the gap between two teeth. A bridge is completed in two appointments. The first visit requires the smoothing and shaping of the teeth. An impression of the teeth and missing space will be taken so the dental lab can create a bridge. Once the restoration is ready, the bridge will be permanently cemented during the second appointment, as well as polished and adjusted. In some cases, the bridge is attached to the teeth on either side of the gap using clasps and may be anchored in place with the help of porcelain crowns. The bridge is not removable – it is a permanent repair that stays in place.

Typically, bridges are made of porcelain fused to ceramic or porcelain fused to metal. Whichever option you and your West Bloomfield dentist decide upon, it will be a strong and durable repair that will make you confident about your smile and appearance again. Bridges are customized in all ways, so they blend with the rest of your teeth in color, size, and shape.

The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth

There are several ways to replace missing teeth. Your dentist will review all options with you to determine which is best for your oral health. What is most important is that filling in the hole in your smile without delay. Just one missing tooth can create a host of problems, both functionally and cosmetically:

• Neighboring teeth could drift out of place.
• Tissue damage could occur.
• Alignment can be disturbed.
• Unusual gaps can develop.
• You may have difficulty eating.
• Speech may be affected.
• Confidence will take a hit.

Are You a Good Candidate for a Dental Bridge?

Your West Bloomfield dentist will take into consideration the cause of your missing tooth or teeth before settling on a dental restoration. If you suffer from gum disease and it has progressed to the point of causing loose and missing teeth, this infection will need to be addressed before any teeth can be replaced. You need a strong foundation to support any restorative dentistry, and that includes healthy gums.

If your tooth was knocked out in a sporting match, car accident, or fall, or if your tooth was so compromised by decay or infection that it had to be extracted, your dentist will take this factor to heart. The reason for a missing tooth – as well as its location – will impact whether a dental bridge is the right solution for your smile.

Also important to consider are your smile goals, budget, and level of dental anxiety. A dental bridge is thought of as a minimally invasive tooth replacement option compared to, say, dental implants. The affordable cost and avoidance of a surgical restoration makes bridges an appealing solution for many patients.

Get Dental Bridges in West Bloomfield Township

No one needs to live with a hole in their smile because of a missing tooth. There are multiple dental restorations that can fix this problem. Even if you think a tooth doesn’t need to be replaced – like an unnoticeable molar – its absence can eventually cause oral health problems and mar the appearance of your smile.

Get the right dental restoration for your oral health. Schedule your appointment at Zoma Dental in West Bloomfield Township and find out if a dental bridge is right for you.