Certain dental procedures may sound familiar but are not commonly understood. Dr. Christopher Griffin, a respected Greenwood dentist says missing teeth is a frequent dental concern, but that many are confused about the various options to replace teeth.
Losing a tooth, either through extraction or an accident, can affect your dental health and your overall wellbeing. A lost tooth can affect the functionality of your mouth, causing speaking, and eating to become difficult. Additionally, missing teeth can affect your appearance and your self-esteem.
Dental bridges are an effective solution for missing teeth. Unlike partial dentures, dental bridges are permanent and cannot be removed. Additionally, they do not require surgery or months of healing time. Dental bridges are comprised of several pieces – two crowns and a pontic. The crowns are placed on the adjacent teeth to support the bridge. The pontic is the replacement tooth that is fused between the crowns to “bridge the gap” between your natural teeth.
Receiving a dental bridge requires two visits to Dr. Griffin. During the first appointment, the team will prepare the abutment teeth and take impressions. Those impressions are sent to the lab to create your bridge. This step ensues that your replacement tooth fits perfectly and is an exact match to your remaining teeth. A temporary bridge will be placed to provide support and function while the permanent piece is being created.
Once the bridge is ready, Dr. Griffin will remove the temporary and place the permanent bridge. You will leave the office with a happy smile and a healthy mouth that functions exactly as it should.
If you’re unsure of how you to replace your missing tooth, call the office of Dr. Griffin today to schedule an appointment. He will examine your mouth and then recommend the right treatment plan for you.