Dolton residents ask, “Am I a candidate for a permanent dental bridge?”

Losing a tooth can have an immediate and profound impact on your self-esteem. Patients who have a missing tooth, whether due to decay, disease, or trauma, often find themselves feeling self-conscious, worried, or embarrassed. Furthermore, the lost tooth can have an impact on the health of your mouth and the alignment of your remaining teeth. For example, if a tooth is lost, the nearby teeth can begin to drift out of place, and your mouth can lose some of its support and begin to droop.

Luckily, there are many options for replacing a lost tooth. Implants, dental bridges, and dentures are all options that many patients consider. Patients who want a fixed appliance often opt for implants or dental bridges. Implants are usually the sturdiest option since a replacement root is inserted into the jawbone. However, low bone density or affordability can prevent some patients from considering implants.

On the other hand, dental bridges are effective for most patients. Because they do require a little bit of extra care, patients who choose dental bridges should already have excellent oral health care habits. Additionally, because the dental crown appliances includes two crowns that are attached to teeth on both sides of the missing tooth, the dentist will need to ensure that those surrounding teeth are in good shape.

A dental bridge provides the patient with the same function and appearance as the original tooth. Because the replacement tooth and the adjacent crowns are custom made, the look will be completely natural. Unless you choose to tell your friends or family, they will likely never know that your tooth had been replaced.

If you’re weighing your options for tooth replacement, call Dr. Dean Dietrich at Pleasant Dental^® . Dr. Dietrich has more than 27 years of experience serving patients in the Dolton area with excellent dental care. He, and his entire team, are dedicated to treating each patient with gentle care and complete respect. The team will take the time to get to know you, understand your dental concerns, and help you find the right plan for treatment.

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