Bridging the Gap

What Is A Dental Bridge?

Just like a walking bridge that closes the gap between one point and another, a dental bridge does the same in the mouth. When one or more teeth are missing from your smile, a dental bridge can be placed to fill in the space – or bridge the gap. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, 178 million people in the United States are missing at least one tooth.

What Happens When Teeth Are Missing?

Though getting a tooth removed can seem to be the answer to the problem of relieving tooth pain, did you know that leaving a space where the tooth used to be can lead to more serious issues down the road?

Leaving a gap can:

●  Cause the surrounding teeth to shift to try to fill the space

●  Put more pressure on your remaining teeth

●  Create areas that are hard to clean - causing plaque buildup and cavities

●  Cause an embarrassing “black hole” in your smile

Why Replace Teeth With a Dental Bridge?

While there are several options to replace missing teeth (like implants or a partial denture), when working in the "SMILE ZONE," a bridge may be your best cosmetic and long-lasting solution for a natural, beautiful smile. Something called an “ovate pontic” can be used to go slightly under the level of the gum tissue giving the appearance that the fake tooth bridging the gap is actually a real tooth! Talk to your dentist to find the very best solution for your missing teeth.

If you think you may benefit from a dental bridge, the first step is to schedule a consultation.
Call our office today for a consultation with Dr. Ripplinger!