Exploring the Benefits of Dental Bridges for Missing Molars: Insights from Dr. Jae Cho at Wildflower Dental

Dental Bridges for Molars in Sun City AZ Area

Living with tooth loss isn’t an option if you want to preserve your oral health. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of restorative dental treatments to replace lost teeth. Your Sun City, Arizona, dentist recommends replacing one or more lost molars with a dental bridge. After evaluating your condition, Dr. Jae Cho from Wildflower Dental can determine if a dental bridge is a good fit for you. The following answers some of the most frequently asked questions about dental bridges and provides greater insight into what to expect from this restorative treatment.

What are dental bridges?

Dental bridges are dental appliances consisting of one or more artificial teeth used to replace natural teeth that have gone missing. Unlike a partial denture that can be removed, a fixed dental bridge is permanently cemented. A conventional fixed bridge is anchored by crowns placed on healthy teeth on either side of the bridge. Dr. Cho will customize your bridge to fit comfortably, function properly, and have a pleasing appearance.

What are the advantages of choosing a bridge to replace lost molars?

Tooth loss, no matter how small, can have a negative impact on your oral health. Losing a molar eliminates support for the remaining back teeth, which can cause them to loosen and drift out of alignment. Losing one or more molars can also alter your bite, which can cause undue wear and tear on the remaining teeth. A bridge can prevent these problems by protecting the integrity of the rest of your molars and keeping your oral health intact. Replacing lost molars with a bridge will also restore your chewing power so you can continue to enjoy all your favorite foods.

Are there different types of bridges?

There are basically four types of bridges:

Traditional bridges are supported by dental crowns placed on adjacent healthy teeth.
Cantilever bridges are also supported by crowns, but only on one side of the bridge.
Maryland bridges are held in place by special frameworks affixed to adjacent healthy teeth.
Implant-supported bridges are supported by dental implants.

How long do dental bridges last?

With proper maintenance and care, a traditional fixed bridge can last, on average, up to 10 years. Implant-supported bridges can last much longer, sometimes over 20 years. Your bridge’s lifespan will depend greatly on your lifestyle habits, oral hygiene, and the location and type of bridge you choose.