The Role of Dental Bridges in Preventing Tooth Loss Complications

Considering a dental bridge to replace missing teeth? Read on to learn more about this restoration option. This tooth replacement option is one that produces a natural-looking smile while also restoring the necessary functions to perform daily life activities. Separately, dental bridges eliminate a lot of the complication risks that are associated with tooth loss.

How a dental bridge can help prevent complications from tooth loss

Below is a rundown of how dental bridges can prevent complications that might arise from tooth loss. This information can be helpful to review, especially for those who are preparing to replace missing teeth.

What are the potential complications of tooth loss?

After teeth are extracted or otherwise lost, the mouth is prone to a lot of risks, including gum irritation and infection, as well as, bone complications that occur beneath the gums. The bone beneath and the actual jaw can alter once teeth are no longer present in the mouth. When a natural tooth is in place, it stimulates the bone underneath it, so losing the tooth also prevents the stimulation of the jawbone. These alterations can actually cause serious problems, such as the shift of other remaining teeth, and facial structural changes, which can affect symmetry and even sight.

How can a dental bridge prevent these complications?

There have been many advancements within dentistry that allow for the aforementioned complications to be avoided or at least deterred for quite some time. Dental bridges, in particular, are one of the procedures that can be performed to help keep these complications at bay.

Dental bridges work by filling the gap that is left when missing teeth are decayed or extracted. This empty space is prone to infection and irritation, which is why it is highly recommended to fill it with a prosthetic, such as a dental bridge. With this option, the remaining natural teeth are used to anchor in an abutment piece, which holds dental crowns that act as the prosthetic teeth. The abutments act as the anchors while the crowns act as the actual replacement teeth. This combination creates a bridge, thus bridging the gap left behind.

Because the empty space is then filled with the prosthetic, there is no risk of crowding or a shift in the other remaining teeth because the empty space is filled. Another risk that is no longer present is the difficulty that comes with eating. When there are missing teeth, the gaps make it hard to properly chew and process food. However, after a dental bridge is placed, this is no longer a concern.