When Are Dental Bridges Necessary?

Most people don’t think that losing a tooth or multiple teeth is a common occurrence. But tooth loss is more prevalent than people realize. This can happen for a variety of reasons. Losing a tooth can be caused by a cavity, trauma, infection, gum disease, or a reinfected root canal. When faced with a missing tooth, cosmetic dentistry provides several options to treat the affected area. Some individuals opt for a partial denture, which snaps in and out of the mouth and has a false tooth that fills the area of the missing tooth. Others may prefer a dental implant with a porcelain crown to create the illusion of a natural tooth. Another common option for replacing a missing tooth is a dental bridge.

A bridge utilizes the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth. The teeth on either side of the missing tooth are shaped and used as anchors for support of the bridge. A bridge consists of a crown that fills the area of the missing tooth connected to anchor crowns on either side of the missing tooth. A bridge is usually made of porcelain which enhances its natural appearance. A dental bridge is not the best solution for replacing a missing tooth and is usually preferred when the patient is on a budget and cannot afford dental implants immediately. A bridge can be a temporary solution to a problem, while still being a viable option to prevent someone from feeling embarrassed about a missing tooth.

Bridges, crowns, fillings, veneers, and other cosmetic dentistry solutions can be completed by Dr. Frost at Biltmore Dental Center in Phoenix. He offers a variety of family and cosmetic dentistry assistance, and can usually provide emergency dental treatment the same day.