How to Know if You Need a Dental Bridge: Signs and Symptoms

Your teeth are important to your overall health, influencing everything from the way you eat and talk to the way your face is shaped. Yet when you lose a tooth, even one, it can develop serious dental issues. A dental bridge is a typical fix for lost teeth. It comprises man-made teeth held in place by crowns on the neighboring healthy teeth or implants, essentially replacing function and aesthetics.

But how do you know when you need a dental bridge? There are some indications that a dental bridge could be the way to go in order to keep your mouth healthy. If you find that you’re suffering from any of the following symptoms, it might be time to see your dentist.

What Are the Signs of a Dental Bridge?

You Have One or More Missing Teeth

If you’ve lost a tooth due to decay, injury, or gum disease, a dental bridge can help fill the gap. Leaving a space in your smile untreated can cause long-term oral health issues, including:

• Misalignment as surrounding teeth shift
• Increased difficulty chewing
• Higher risk of additional tooth loss

You Are Having Difficulty in Chewing or Speaking

• Do you have trouble chewing your food well? Missing teeth can make it more difficult for you to chew food. This can cause digestive discomfort and uneven tooth wear on the remaining teeth.
• Some speech sounds depend on the correct position of your teeth. If you experience slurred or muffled speech, it may be caused by missing teeth that impact tongue position.

Your Teeth Are Shifting Out of Place

When you lose a tooth, the teeth around it shift into the vacant space. This can result in:

• Crowding or gaps between your teeth
• A misaligned bite, causing more wear and tear on other teeth
• Harder-to-clean spaces result in plaque buildup and an increased risk of cavities.

You Are Suffering from Jaw Pain or Bite Issues

A missing tooth can disrupt your bite balance, with some teeth bearing more pressure than others. This can lead to:

• Jaw pain or discomfort from an uneven bite
• TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems, resulting in jaw stiffness and headaches
• Wear on other teeth, making them more prone to cracks or fractures

Your Face Looks Sunken or Aged

Your teeth provide structural support to your face. When you have missing teeth, your jawbone can shrink. This can lead to:

• A hollow or sagging appearance in your cheeks
• An aged look due to a lack of facial support

You Have Increased Sensitivity or Wear on the Remaining Teeth

If you’ve been chewing on one side to compensate for missing teeth, you might notice:

• Asymmetrical wear on some teeth
• Greater sensitivity due to excess pressure
• More likelihood of cracks or tooth damage

When to See a Dentist? 

If you ever notice any of these signs, it is your cue to book a dental appointment. Your regular dentist can assess your oral health with thorough examinations and find out if you really need a dental bridge. 

Remember, ignoring missing teeth can lead to much more complications in the future. Here dental bridge offers you a practical and effective solution. With this, you can get back the natural function and appearance of your teeth. 

Contact our dental clinic today for a professional assessment of your teeth.