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Dental bridges are a common restorative treatment for missing teeth, offering both aesthetic and functional benefits. However, one potential complication associated with dental bridges is alveolar bone resorption, or bone loss.
When teeth are lost, the underlying bone begins to deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. While dental bridges can effectively restore the appearance of a smile and restore chewing function, they do not address the underlying bone loss. This essay will explore the causes of bone loss after dental bridge placement, its potential consequences, and available treatment options to mitigate this issue.
1. Why does the bone deteriorate under a dental bridge?
Dental bridges involve grinding down two healthy teeth to support a replacement tooth. While they restore the look and function of a smile, they cannot replace the missing tooth root. This means that the jawbone beneath the bridge continues to deteriorate over time, a process known as resorption.
As a result, the gums recede, creating a gap between the gum and the artificial tooth. Additionally, jawbone loss can lead to facial changes such as sunken cheeks and sagging skin, prematurely aging the patient. Without appropriate treatment, this can have a significant negative impact on both oral health and overall quality of life.
2. Severe consequences of jawbone resorption after getting a dental bridge
Jawbone resorption is a natural consequence of tooth loss, but the rate at which it occurs varies from person to person. Within the first six months, up to 25% of the jawbone may be lost, and this can increase to 45-60% within a year. The implications of this bone loss are significant and can lead to a range of oral health problems.
2.1. Increased risk of dental disease
As the bone recedes, gaps form between the gum and the replacement tooth, creating ideal conditions for bacteria to accumulate and cause infections such as cavities, gum disease, and periodontitis.
2.2. Pain and discomfort
Poor fit of the dental bridge can lead to pain, sensitivity, and even abscesses.
2.3. Impaired chewing function
Bone loss can cause the teeth to shift and misalign, making it difficult to chew food and potentially leading to digestive issues.
2.4. Further tooth loss
If the bone loss continues, the dental bridge may become loose or break, requiring additional dental work and potentially leading to the loss of more teeth.
3. How to prevent bone loss following tooth extraction?
While dental bridges can lead to bone loss, there is a highly effective solution: dental implants. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into the jawbone. Over time, the bone fuses with the implant, creating a strong foundation for a replacement tooth. This process not only restores the appearance of your smile but also prevents further bone loss. By stimulating the jawbone, dental implants help to maintain bone density and preserve facial structure.
View more: Comparing Implants with other types of Prostheses
However, this is a highly complex technique that requires a highly skilled doctor to perform for the best results. On the journey to take care of the community’s smile, Elite Dental is honored to be the first representative in Vietnam and the second center in Asia to become a “specialized Implant training center” appointed by the world’s leading Implant group – Straumann (Switzerland).
At Elite Dental, customers are directly treated by a team of experienced doctors with over 15 years of successful implant placement for hundreds of different cases. The doctors are always dedicated and monitor the treatment process to promptly resolve any arising issues, ensuring the best safety and effectiveness for customers.
In addition, Elite Dental is committed to using genuine implant posts from the USA, Europe, Switzerland, and Korea with clear certificates of origin. The clinic is also equipped with modern equipment such as 3D CBCT imaging machines; platelet-rich plasma (PRP) technology; Piezotome surgery to reduce trauma; Sirolaser Blue wound healing machine; and Cerec Chairside imported from Germany to help the implant process take place quickly, gently, and smoothly.
Ready to transform your smile? Elite Dental offers world-class dental implant solutions tailored to your specific needs. Our experienced team and advanced technology ensure optimal results. Don’t wait any longer to achieve the smile you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Related posts: > Discovering Multiple-tooth Implant > Single-Tooth Implant: What You Should Know > Skilled Implant Placement Dentists at Elite Dental
