Dental Bridges in Oakdale, CA

There are difficulties in living with multiple missing teeth. Without teeth, it’s difficult to chew food properly, which negatively impacts your nutrition and diet. Speaking and smiling in front of people can also be awkward. Blackhart Dentistry can help replace your missing teeth with dental bridges in Oakdale, CA.

What is a Dental Bridge?

Dental bridges “bridge the gap” created by a missing tooth or row of teeth. Composite resin, porcelain, ceramics, and metals like palladium and gold can all be used to create dental bridges. Ceramic is the preferred material for replacing front teeth. It can mimic the translucency of real teeth and be customized to your natural hue.

The abutments and pontics are the two primary components of a dental bridge. Abutments are usually dental crowns placed over the natural teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap to support and hold the bridge in place, whereas pontics are artificial teeth that cover the space created by missing teeth.

Reasons to Have a Dental Bridge

For several reasons, it is important to replace lost teeth. The longer a tooth is extracted, the greater the chance there is of the surrounding teeth tilting into the opening, which affects gum health, future restorability, speech, and eating. Over time, the missing tooth’s supporting bone will gradually deteriorate.

Missing teeth can also alter a person’s facial shape. Many toothless persons consequently begin to feel self-conscious about their smiles. With a dental bridge, you can maintain your original teeth while still confidently smiling.

Types of Dental Bridge in Oakdale

Four types of dental bridges can help replace your lost or missing teeth. Dr. Blackhart and associates will advise you on which type of dental bridge would be best for you. Some considerations are your age, the number of missing teeth, the gap width, the condition of your gums and nearby teeth, and your preferences.

• Traditional Bridge: If you have two healthy teeth on either side of the gap, this type of bridge will function.

• Cantilever Bridge: This is not usually a recommended option, but can occasionally be done for a small tooth with plenty of support on one side..

• Maryland Bridge: Instead of using crowns as abutments, this dental bridge uses metal wings to join the replacement tooth to the surrounding teeth.  While this can be an option in some cases, the longevity of these bridges leaves it as an inferior option to an implant or a traditional bridge.

• Implant-supported bridge – The prosthetic tooth is supported by two or more implants acting as abutments, and is frequently the best option for individuals who have lost several teeth and don’t want a removable option. It is important to distinguish that this option must be implanted. Due to differing mobilities, it is generally not recommended to design a bridge from an implant to a natural tooth abutment.

A Seamless Solution for Missing Teeth

Blackhart Dentistry offers custom dental bridges in Oakdale, CA. Dental bridges can last for many years with proper care and good oral hygiene. They are excellent choices for teeth replacement, whether you have lost one or several teeth in a row.