Dental Bridges Can Restore Your Oral Functions

A dental bridge is one of many options for replacing your missing teeth. It literally bridges the gap created by lost teeth. A bridge consists of two crowns on either side that support the dental prosthetic. The crowns are anchored to the abutment teeth, which are physically modified natural teeth that accommodate the dental bridge. Between the crowns are one or more replacement teeth, called pontics, that are designed to mimic the appearance and function of your natural teeth.

Missing Teeth Can Affect How You Eat, Speak, and Smile

Are you having difficulty chewing, speaking, or smiling due to missing teeth? If you are, then it is important to know why missing teeth can affect your oral functions. Teeth work in unison to perform tasks such as chewing, speaking, and smiling. Think of teeth as a team of people operating a boat in the engine room. Each person is responsible for a certain task to keep the boat running smoothly. If one person is missing, then the work load would be dispersed around the remaining people, compromising the boat’s optimal performance. If even one tooth is missing, then it makes it difficult for your other teeth to perform necessary tasks.

What Happens if Missing Teeth Are Ignored?

Teeth stand side by side and support each other. When a tooth is missing, this will cause the adjacent teeth to shift out of place. Misaligned teeth are not only aesthetically displeasing, but are also threats to your dental health. Shifting teeth could create hard-to-reach spaces that make dental practices like brushing and flossing your teeth more difficult. If oral bacteria take refuge in these spaces, then they can overwhelm your oral tissues with toxins and acids that lead to tooth decay and gum disease development.

Missing Teeth Can Be Replaced

When you’ve lost a tooth, or a few teeth in a row, then Dr. Maria or Dr. Thanasi Loukas can restore the ranks of your smile with a custom-made dental bridge. In most instances, they may recommend supporting your bridge on one or more dental implants, which are small titanium posts designed to replace your lost teeth roots. Once inserted into your jawbone, and after your jawbone heals around the implant’s titanium surface, Dr. Loukas can secure your dental bridge to the prosthetic teeth roots for improved support, comfort, and longevity.

About your Park Ridge Dentists

Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas are highly-skilled general, restorative, and implant dentists serving the Park Ridge and surrounding Chicago communities. To learn more, stay tuned to our upcoming blogs, or call Loukas General Dentistry today at (847) 696-1919.