When a tooth is missing, it’s important to fix the problem immediately to avoid shifting teeth, bacteria or plaque build up on the surrounding teeth, bone loss in your jaw, difficulty chewing, grinding or clenching your teeth and TMJ. The shifting of teeth can be very serious and can eventually lead to more teeth loss. When teeth extrude from their sockets, extra room is left for bacteria and plaque to hide, which can cause tooth decay, periodontal gum disease, bad breath and gingivitis. Bone loss in your jaw is also quite serious, and if you have trouble chewing with missing teeth, imagine doing so with an uneven bite or painful TMJ.

Fortunately, there are a few different options for those considering dental bridges. If you live in the Flint area and are considering a dental bridge to replace missing teeth, Gateway Dental specializes in different methods that could ultimately help restore confidence in your smile. At your consultation, it will be determined what method is right for you. Either a traditional bridge, or three unit bridge, Cantilever dental bridge, bonded dental bridge, or Maryland bridge, or dental implants are the four most popular types of tooth replacement that have proven successful for Dr. Bobby Grossi.

The most popular and successful dental bridge is the three-unit bridge, which is used when there are teeth on both sides of the missing tooth. The bridge is made out of either metal infused porcelain or all porcelain once impressions are taken of your mouth and sent to a laboratory. Porcelain bridges are made to look just like natural teeth and restore function and astechics to the teeth in that area.

The overall procedure of a dental bridge usually takes 2 weeks with the patient wearing a temporary bridge for a couple of weeks. After 2 weeks, the patient returns, and the permanent bridge is cemented in and the procedure is complete. Once the permanent bridge is in place, its success will depend on how well your teeth, gums and the bridge itself are cared for.

Depending on the type of bridge that’s necessary for your smile, the cost could vary, please schedule an appointment for more information. The cost, however, can be broken down into installments and covers impressions, doctor’s visits and the bridgework itself. The cost of dental bridges can also reflect what the patient wants from their tooth replacement: If more cosmetic work is wanted, the cost will be adjusted accordingly.

For a consultation, contact Dr. Bobby Grossi at Gateway Dental and experience the difference of a healthier, more confident smile within weeks.