How a Dental Bridge Replaces a Missing Tooth
A fixed dental bridge fills a gap with a replacement tooth supported by adjacent teeth or implants. It can improve chewing and appearance, but choosing a bridge requires evaluating more than the empty space. The supporting structures must be healthy enough for the proposed design.
Consider the neighboring teeth
A conventional bridge usually requires preparing the teeth beside the gap. If they already need crowns, a bridge may fit the overall treatment plan. If they are healthy and unrestored, preserving their structure becomes an important part of the discussion. Implants or a removable partial denture may also be options, depending on your circumstances.
Learn the cleaning technique
Food and plaque can collect beneath the replacement tooth. A floss threader, suitable interdental tool, or another method recommended by your dentist helps reach this area. Routine brushing alone may not clean every surface. Do not ignore a bridge that rocks, traps food in a new way, or hurts when you bite. Atlantic Dental Associates of Shallotte can review replacement options and explain the care each one needs before treatment begins.