A dental bridge is a dental prosthesis that replaces missing teeth. This particular restoration can only replace one or more missing teeth in a row. Typically, dentists keep the bridge secure in the mouth with the help of neighboring teeth or dental implants. This means that dental bridges are a long-lasting way to restore your smile’s function and appearance.
Do you want to learn more about dental restorations with a trusted dentist in Fairfield, CT? Look no further than Dr. Gary Horblitt, D.D.S. Call (203) 335-1011 to get the restorative care you need with a skilled professional today!
While tooth bridges are an ideal solution for most patients, they may not be perfect for all patients. In this blog post, we discuss what qualifies a patient for a dental bridge.
You Have One or More Missing Teeth In a Row
The first and most important qualification for a dental bridge is the presence of one or more missing teeth in a row.
Patients may lose teeth due to various reasons, such as:
- Decay
- Trauma
- Gum disease
A dental bridge can be a viable solution for replacing the missing teeth. However, it may not always be the right solution.
Dentists design dental bridges to replace consecutively missing teeth. If a patient does not have consecutively missing teeth, then a dental bridge may not be the right solution for them. Instead, a partial denture may be the best solution.
You Have Good Oral Health
The second qualification for a tooth bridge is good oral health. Patients must have healthy teeth and gums to support a dental bridge. This means that the teeth and gums must be free of:
- Decay
- Infection
- Periodontal disease
If a patient has significant oral health problems, the dentist may need to address these issues before proceeding with any dental prosthetic.
Your Jawbone is Healthy
The third qualification for a dental bridge is sufficient bone density in the jawbone. The dental bridge must rely on surrounding teeth or dental implants for support, which both rely on healthy jawbones for support.
If a patient has insufficient bone density, the dentist may need to perform bone grafting procedures to build up the jawbone. This procedure is roughly 98% effective at permanently rebuilding a weak jawbone.
You Are Committed to Good Oral Hygiene
The fourth qualification for a dental bridge is a commitment to maintaining good oral hygiene. Patients must brush and floss daily, and they must learn to floss under their bridges.
A dental bridge requires proper care to prevent decay and gum disease. Biannual dental checkups can help keep the bridge functional and the surrounding teeth and gums healthy.
You Are Committed to a Healthy Lifestyle
The fifth qualification for a dental bridge is a commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Patients who smoke or have a history of smoking are not good candidates for dental bridges. Smoking increases the risk of implant failure, gum disease, and other oral health problems. Patients who smoke may need to quit smoking before proceeding with a dental bridge.
See if a dental bridge is right for you with Dr. Horblitt!
Do you think that you qualify for a tooth bridge? If so, then it’s time to contact Dr. Gary Horblitt in Fairfield, CT. Just send us a message here, or call us at (203) 335-1011 to get started on your treatment now!
