Spokane DentistIf you are missing a tooth, you already know of the many downsides that come with such a reality. For one thing, you may be self-conscious about your smile, knowing that opening is noticeable each time you open your mouth. Also, there may be speech issues related to the missing tooth, depending on where it is located. Finally, something as simple as chewing and enjoying your favorite foods may be impacted.

To wipe away these frustrations and get back to life as normal, you may want to consider a dental bridge1. Using a dental bridge is one of many potential solutions for missing teeth, and while this won’t be the right solution in all cases, it does work nicely for many patients. In this article, we are going to touch on a few of the benefits of opting for this kind of treatment.

Save Money

We might as well get started with a point that can appeal to everyone. When you compare replacing a missing tooth with a dental bridge to replacing that same tooth with an implant, the bridge is almost certainly the more affordable choice. While you never want to make oral health decisions based on money alone, it is important to keep this point in mind. If a dental bridge is seen by your dentist as a viable solution, and you can save money over other options, it's obviously worth keeping this idea on the table.

It should be stated that you will need to take insurance coverage into account when trying to determine how you want to proceed. Depending on how your insurance works, you may find that your out of pocket expenses will be roughly the same no matter which type of treatment you select. Be sure to gather as much information as possible in advance so you can make an informed decision from all angles.

Solve Many Problems

As mentioned in the introduction, there are a variety of issues that can come along with having a missing tooth. Those can range from speech issues to problems chewing food, not to mention the self-conscious feelings you may have when smiling in public or seeing yourself in pictures. With a dental bridge, many – or even all – of those issues can be taken care of all at once. The hole in your smile will be filled, meaning you can feel great about the way you look once again. Also, having the tooth replaced should clear up any speech struggles you were having, and most of your favorite foods will be back on the menu, as well.

Hold Things in Place

One of the potential drawbacks we have not yet mentioned regarding missing teeth is the issue of other teeth shifting over time to cause bite problems. The opening in your line of teeth may allow surrounding teeth to shift, and eventually, that shifting can lead to serious problems in the way your bite functions. By using a bridge to fill the gap and replace that tooth, you won’t have to worry about such problems. The replacement tooth will fill the gap nicely, helping the remaining teeth to stay where they belong.

A Fixed Solution

If you have considered other options to replace your missing tooth or teeth, you have probably at least discussed the idea of dentures. To be sure, dentures are a valuable tool and they play an important role in replacing teeth for many people. However, there are drawbacks to be considered with dentures, specifically the fact that they are not permanently fixed like a bridge. Without being permanently fixed in place inside your mouth, a denture will not be able to offer the same kind of performance as a bridge. Once your bridge is in place, you will be able to smile and chew with confidence, knowing the bridge is going to do its job.

Less-Invasive Process

For many patients, the choice of how to replace a tooth comes down to a debate between a dental implant and a bridge. To be sure, we think dental implants are a great option and should be carefully considered by any patient for whom they are an option. However, some patients are uncomfortable with the invasive nature of the dental implant procedure. While it is not as bad as many people think, and the results are worth it in the end, we understand that some patients struggle to go that direction. If you want to replace a tooth and can’t convince yourself to go with an implant for whatever reason, a dental bridge is certainly a great option. Ultimately, the best thing you can do here is to speak to your dentist about the pros and cons of all options on the table. With the help of a professional, you will be able to make a decision that is best for your personal situation.

Some Drawbacks

We think dental bridges are great for many people in many situations, but they aren’t perfect. There are a few potential drawbacks, one being that this is not a permanent solution. While it is fixed in place, it’s quite likely that your dental bridge will need to be replaced eventually. Also, nearby supporting teeth need to be healthy and strong to make this work, and that won’t always be the case. Even if those teeth are up to the job, having to serve the bridge as the years go by may cause those surrounding teeth to be negatively impacted. It’s necessary to weigh the good against the bad before you decide on the treatment you will select.

For quality dental care in Spokane, please contact2 Spokane dental right away for assistance. Our friendly team will be happy to answer any questions you may have, and we can make an appointment for your first visit. Whether you need a dental bridge or any other kind of oral health care, you can count on Spokane Dental to work with your best interests in mind. Thanks for visiting and we look forward to serving you!

Resources

  1. https://www.spokanedental.com/Content/Page/Dental-Bridges
  2. https://www.spokanedental.com/Contact