Missing a tooth may not be a huge issue at first, but once you see that gap between your teeth every time you smile, you may start to become self-conscious. If you are missing a tooth and would like to have it restored, a dental bridge may be a good option for you. A dental bridge is a dental restoration that is used to replace a missing tooth or teeth. In this article, let’s look at when a dental bridge would be a good option for you compared to other dental procedures.
Diabetes
Diabetes can cause a number of serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and nerve damage. One of the early signs of diabetes is gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can lead to tooth loss. If you have diabetes and are missing a tooth or teeth, a dental bridge may be a good option for you.
Since a dental bridge doesn’t require surgery, it’s a great way to restore your tooth or teeth without having to worry about infection or slow wound healing.
Medications
If you take blood-thinning medications or antibiotics, a dental implant may not be a good option for you. A dental implant requires surgery and an extended healing time. On the other hand, a dental bridge can be placed in a single office visit. It also won’t require postoperative antibiotics or medication.
Heavy Smoking
Smoking cigarettes decreases the blood supply to your gums, which can slow down the healing process after getting a dental implant. This means that dental bridges are a good choice for people who smoke because the bridges will not be affected by smoking.
Missing Teeth
If you are missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge may be a good option for you. A dental bridge is known as a restorative treatment that uses your adjacent teeth or implants to stabilize a replacement tooth or teeth in the space. Since a dental bridge doesn’t require surgery, it’s a great way to restore your tooth or teeth without having to worry about infection or slow wound healing.
Jawbone Deterioration
Dental implants require bone to support them. The bone needs to be solid to withstand the stresses of chewing. Unfortunately, jawbone deterioration can come with age. The jawbone deteriorates, and the roots of your teeth start to slip, causing them to loosen and fall out.
If you have jawbone deterioration and are missing one or more teeth, a dental implant may not be a good option for you. In this case, a dental bridge can be placed. A dental bridge doesn’t require an implant, but it will involve attaching the bridge to your teeth.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a serious infection of the gums that causes inflammation. This inflammation causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, which can often lead to tooth loss. If you have periodontal disease, a dental bridge is a good option for you. A dental bridge will support the teeth that are left instead of a dental implant.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is another reason to consider getting a dental bridge. If you have undergone chemotherapy or radiation treatment, a dental implant may not be a good option for you. A dental implant is typically placed in one or two pieces, which means that it has to be placed in multiple appointments. For people who have had radiation treatment, this can present some issues.
Since radiation treatment can cause swelling, the implants may not fit as well as they should during the reconstruction phase of the implant surgery. With a dental bridge, there is no surgery and no swelling that could affect the dentist’s ability to place the dental bridge.
Conclusion
A dental bridge can be an adequate replacement for one or more missing teeth. If you have been considering getting a dental bridge, call today for an appointment with one of our dentists.
Don’t let a few missing teeth ruin your smile. Seek help from an experienced and reputable dentist like Dr. Evette T. Bakhit of Saint Mark Dental. Our clinic in Medway, MA, provides quality dental services for the family, regardless of your dental emergency. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment with our dental specialist.
