Am I a Good Candidate for a Dental Bridge?
There are many situations that can lead to the loss of one or more teeth - your own experience may involve anything from an accident or traumatic injury to an illness or genetics. But no matter how you came to lose them, the self-consciousness and physical challenges that result from the loss are the same.
If you have lost one or more of your teeth, chances are good that you are looking for a replacement to fill the gap and restore your smile. A dental bridge is a common general dentistry structure used to replace one or more consecutive teeth. Victor R. Siegel, DDS, and our team have fitted hundreds of Rockville patients with dental bridges for ideal restoration. But how do you know if you’re a good candidate for the procedure?
What Is a Dental Bridge?
Before you can tell if you are a good candidate for a dental bridge, you need to know what a dental bridge is and how it works.
A dental bridge is a prosthetic made of one or more false teeth that can replace your missing teeth. These false teeth can be custom molded by your dentist to complement the color and shape of your existing teeth for a beautiful and natural look. A permanent bridge can be attached to your existing teeth on either side of the gap with dental crowns. A bridge can also be held in place by dental implants, which are surgically placed in the jaw bone and allowed to integrate with surrounding bone and tissues.
What Makes a Good Dental Bridge Candidate?
If you are missing one or more consecutive teeth, then you are probably a good candidate for a dental bridge. But with that said, there are some other factors that come into play to determine your candidacy including
- Strong Supporting Teeth: Because a dental bridge is anchored in place by teeth on either side of the gap where teeth are missing, those surrounding teeth must be strong and healthy enough to support the bridge. If those teeth are not strong enough, your dentist may recommend dental implants to support the bridge.
- Good Dental Hygiene Habits: Not only must those surrounding teeth be strong and healthy when your dentist fits you with a dental bridge, they must stay strong and healthy for the long term. Otherwise they could shift or become loose. This means that you must be committed to keeping up with good dental habits following your bridge placement for the best results.
Schedule a Consultation to Learn More about Dental Bridges
The loss of one or more teeth can make tasks like chewing and speaking complicated and frustrating. More than that, it can cause social anxiety that may keep you from getting out and enjoying your life. You don’t have to live with that frustration - with a dental bridge, you can have your confidence and your daily routine back. Contact Dr. Siegel at our general dentistry office today to schedule a consultation and find out if a dental bridge is right for you.