You probably understand that you could lose one of your pearly whites for a number of reasons, including a trauma to your tooth or poor oral health. You may also know that missing a tooth can be embarrassing. However, a missing tooth can lead to more serious dental issues. In fact, if you’re missing any of your teeth, you could be more susceptible to gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. Similarly, your other teeth may even shift.
As you might already understand, a bridge is essentially made of different teeth attached to a crown on either side of your missing teeth. Still, because a crown needs to be anchored by your natural teeth, your pearly whites and your gums need to be in good health. If you have tooth decay or gum disease, you may not be a good candidate for this restoration. To make matters worse, many people don’t know they’re dealing with these dental problems. This is one reason we recommend setting up a checkup with us twice a year. The number of teeth you’re missing is also another factor you’ll need to consider. If you’ve lost more than three consecutive pearly whites, a dental bridge may not be a good option for you.
Fortunately, once you get your bridge placed, you’ll be able to chew without any discomfort. You’ll also be able to speak clearly. In fact if you keep up on your brushing and flossing, and visit our dentist and team on a regular basis, you might also be able to keep your bridge for ten or more years. If you have more concerns about getting a bridge in Holland, Michigan, please don’t hesitate to call Mark D. Berard, DDS at 616-392-2853. Our dentist, Dr. Mark Berard, and our team look are excited to meet with you!