If you have lost one or more teeth, then we can bridge the gap in your smile with a lifelike dental prosthetic. Tooth replacement helps prevent the oral health problems associated with tooth loss, and ensures you enjoy a lifelike smile. When should you see your Gary, IN, dentist for a new smile, and how do we create dental bridges?

The Causes of Tooth Loss

Why do we lose our natural teeth? For some, the issue could be related to advanced cases of tooth decay or infection, which could cause a tooth to fall out or require removal to prevent the spread of infection. In addition, injury could obviously lead to an avulsed or loosened tooth. But the most common cause is periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease. At this stage, the tissues that connect your gums and teeth could actually break down, leading to loose or lost teeth. In addition to replacing your missing teeth, we can also discuss treatment to manage these underlying health issue and protect your remaining natural teeth.

Creating a Dental Bridge

Each one consists of your new teeth, known as pontics, with crowns attached to each end. The natural teeth on either side of the gap, which we refer to as abutment teeth, will have structure removed from them to make room for the crowns. This then secures them in place and helps ensure they can absorb bite forces and provide up to 15 years of quality replacement in some cases. We craft them from strong and lifelike materials, which can be shaded to match the color of surrounding teeth. The materials we often use, such as ceramic, also contain translucent and stain-resistant properties, ensuring a more esthetically-pleasing appearance.

Keeping Your New Teeth Bright

Routine care will not only safeguard your natural teeth, but also protect your bridge. After all, the abutment teeth will still be susceptible to decay, infection, and gum disease. You should brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes, when you wake up and again before bed. You also need to floss in between each of your teeth, going up and down the length of each side of every tooth and making contact with the gums. Be sure you also clean the space between the top of your gum tissue and the bottom of your dental prosthetic, where food particles could accumulate. If you have any questions about preventing tooth loss or about our lifelike dental prosthetics, then contact our team today learn more.

Healthy Smiles Of Northwest Indiana Provides Custom Prosthetics

At Healthy Smiles of Northwest Indiana, our team would like to help you enjoy a full and beautiful smile with a custom dental bridge. To find out more about tooth replacement, or to schedule your appointment, call Healthy Smiles in Gary, IN, today at 219-938-2637.