How a Bridge Can Help Those with Gum Disease

There are plenty of problems associated with gum disease. That is why our dental professionals want to catch gum disease as early as possible. It is easier to treat and easier to restore the health of the teeth and gums when caught early.

Unfortunately, not all the cases of gum disease are caught in the early stages. That means a person may have to take extra steps to help with their oral health when they are dealing with gum disease. Dental bridges are one of the tools that can help people struggling with gum disease in New Braunfels, TX.

What You Should Know About Gum Disease

Before getting deeper into cosmetic and restorative dentistry treatments like bridges, you should know more about, as well as the leading causes of, gum disease in New Braunfels, TX.

Gum disease occurs below the gum line next to your tooth root and jaw bone, if your tooth is still intact. Bacteria grow in those “hidden” places, destroying the gums over time. Without treatment such as scaling and root planing, you will begin to experience plenty of oral and systemic concerns.

Problems Of Gum Disease

Gum disease can cause many different health issues. It can affect the whole body. The teeth face many problems due to gum disease. Cavities, diseased teeth, loose teeth and lost teeth are some of the problems people who have gum disease face. Other conditions linked to untreated gum disease include cardiovascular disease, some cancers, and exacerbation of symptoms of diabetes.

Finding solutions to some of these issues can help with the fight against gum disease. For instance, if you end up losing your teeth because of gum disease, you may want to talk to a dentist about replacing them. That way, you can get all the advantages that come with fixing your smile. In addition to placement of single dental implants, dental bridges can be an excellent choice to give you back the look, feel, and function of natural teeth.

Turning To Bridges To Help

Gum disease is the result of bacterial buildup on the teeth and gums. If the bacteria are not removed, they will form plaque and tartar. It is the buildup of plaque and tartar that leads to gum disease. People who struggle with their teeth will end up with gaps and pockets between their teeth and gums.

This is a place where bacteria can grow. It is also a difficult place to clean the bacteria out of. It is that combination that leads to gum disease and it is there that a bridge can help.

How Does a Bridge Work?

A dental bridge is a prosthetic device that is custom-made to fit a patient. Bridges can replace missing teeth in the mouth. Because almost everyone over the age of 35 has lost at least one tooth, the use of bridges can help a lot of people. When a tooth is missing, the teeth that surround the missing one can drift and can create the gaps and spaces bacteria love.

If a bridge is in place, the real teeth do not move, and the gaps do not form. The bridge also helps reduce the biting force of the other teeth around it. That force can cause damage that leads to gum disease.

What Should You Expect When You Get a Dental Bridge?

Getting a dental bridge after your dentist starts taking care of your gum disease in New Braunfels, TX, is a very fast procedure. In fact, you can expect to have your personalized bridge in one day.

First, the dentist will examine you and take 3D diagnostic scans of the place where you lost one or more teeth due to gum disease. The digital scans and images will be used by an in-house prosthodontist to create a natural-looking bridge from materials that mimic the appearance of the rest of your teeth. The goal is for your bridge to fit in perfectly.

After your bridge is finished, you can be prepped for your bridgework appointment. The teeth adjacent to the missing tooth or teeth will be shaped so they can anchor the bridge in place. You will be numbed during the procedure to ensure your comfort from beginning to end. After the dentist bonds your bridge to the adjacent teeth and makes any adjustments, you will be able to leave with your brand new smile.

Is a Bridge Your Preferred Choice After Losing Teeth to Gum Disease?

Bridges can play a role in helping to treat or prevent gum disease. They only play one part. That does not mean a person with a bridge can ignore the need for a good daily oral hygiene routine. It is the combination of all these things that helps a person deal with the issues surrounding gum disease.

If you suspect you are struggling with untreated gum disease in New Braunfels, TX, please contact our doctor, Andrew J. Weber, DMD, MS, at (210) 794-7747 to make an appointment. During your examination, feel free to talk with the dentist about other ways to replace missing teeth, such as with dental implant placement.

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