Losing a tooth affects more than just your confidence when you smile. A gap in your smile can quietly damage your long-term oral health. If you are missing one or more teeth, you might wonder what your best options are for replacing them.
At Old Settlers Dental, Dr. Fredrick R. Lewcock and Dr. John Zavala—two of the premier dentists in the area—specialize in bringing smiles back to full health. We want to help you understand the risks of ignoring a missing tooth, how a dental bridge solves the problem, and what you can expect from the restoration process.
The Hidden Impact of Missing Teeth
Missing teeth can lead to gum disease, jawbone deterioration, misaligned bite, difficulty chewing, speech problems, and increased risk of further tooth loss, impacting overall oral health
Many people assume a missing tooth at the back of the mouth is not a big deal since no one can see it. However, every tooth in your mouth plays a specific role. When you lose a tooth, several negative changes begin to occur.
First, the surrounding teeth lose their support. Without a neighboring tooth to keep them in place, adjacent teeth will naturally begin to shift or tilt into the empty space. This shifting disrupts your natural bite, which can lead to jaw pain, uneven wear on your enamel, and difficulty chewing your food.
Furthermore, missing teeth contribute to bone loss. Your jawbone relies on the stimulation from chewing to stay strong and dense. When a tooth is gone, the bone in that specific area begins to resorb or shrink. This can eventually alter the shape of your face and put your remaining teeth at risk.
How Dental Bridges Restore Your Smile
A dental bridge offers a reliable, time-tested solution to these problems. Just as the name implies, this restoration “bridges” the gap left by a missing tooth.
A traditional bridge consists of a false tooth, called a pontic, held in place by dental crowns. These crowns attach to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. By filling the empty space, a bridge stops your natural teeth from shifting, restores your ability to chew properly, and instantly revives the appearance of your smile.
The Process for Dental Bridges in Round Rock, TX
Getting a dental bridge is a straightforward process that typically requires just two visits to our office. Dr. Lewcock and Dr. Zavala focus on your comfort and precision at every step.
Step 1: Preparation and Impressions
During your first visit, we prepare the teeth adjacent to the gap. We carefully remove a small amount of enamel from these anchor teeth to ensure the crowns will fit perfectly over them. Next, we take precise impressions of your teeth. We send these impressions to a specialized dental laboratory where technicians craft your custom bridge to match the natural color and shape of your teeth. Before you leave, we place a temporary bridge to protect your exposed teeth and gums.
Step 2: Placement and Adjustment
Once your custom bridge is ready, you will return to Old Settlers Dental. We remove the temporary bridge and check the fit, bite, and color of your new, permanent bridge. After making any necessary adjustments to ensure a flawless fit, we use a strong dental cement to bond the bridge securely into place.
Reclaim Your Oral Health Today
You do not have to live with the discomfort or health risks of a missing tooth. If you are considering dental bridges in Round Rock, TX, our experienced team is here to guide you. Contact Old Settlers Dental today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lewcock or Dr. Zavala, and take the first step toward a complete, healthy smile.
Old Settlers Dental – Round Rock Dentist