Even if you lose only one tooth it affects your smile, your self-confidence, and your oral health. Perhaps you’re tempted to do nothing about your missing tooth, especially if it is in the back of your mouth and not readily noticed. Just be aware that your ability to chew is diminished, your underlying jawbone will not remain healthy, and your teeth may eventually shift out of place causing misalignment. A dental implant is the most realistic and long-lasting option for maintaining your oral health after tooth loss. But, if you are not interested in an implant for whatever reason, you should at least address your tooth loss with a dental bridge.

Dental Bridges

We offer two different types of dental bridges: the traditional fixed bridge and a more advanced bridge. The traditional bridge is the most commonly used and it is typically covered by insurance. This type of bridge consists of two dental crowns on each end, and a pontic (artificial tooth) in the middle. The crowns are bonded to the teeth adjacent to the space made by the missing tooth. The size of the adjacent, healthy teeth is reduced to accommodate the crowns. This provides for increased stability.

Dr. Huffstutler also offers a more advanced and esthetically pleasing dental bridge for which receptor sites are placed within the gum tissue. With this type of bridge, your replacement teeth appear to be rising from your gums just like your natural teeth. While this type of bridge is more lifelike, it is not covered by dental insurance.

Worth the Time and Effort

Although placing a dental bridge requires at least two dental visits, it is worth the time and effort. A dental bridge not only restores your smile, self-confidence, and ability to chew a variety of healthy foods, it also helps retain the natural alignment of your teeth.