English 
Spanish Have you ever had a dream in which all your teeth fall out? It’s a surprisingly common experience, often said to have various meanings. Regardless of its interpretation, most people find it terrifying. Unfortunately, as we age, the fear of losing teeth shifts from a frightening dream to a real-life concern. Our teeth age just as we do, and older teeth are more prone to infection and decay. While tooth loss is more common among older people, it can happen at any age! Improper care, genetic dispositions, and even accidents can lead to losing one or more teeth. Fortunately, there are solutions if you are missing several teeth in one part of your mouth. At the Mini Dental Implant Center of America in Syracuse, Dr. Bradford offers implant bridges as an ideal option for replacing multiple missing teeth.
Potential Causes of Tooth Loss
Tooth loss can occur for many reasons, so it’s important to address any issues you experience with Dr. Bradford as soon as possible. Common causes of tooth loss include:
- Tooth decay: Tooth decay occurs when bacteria produce acids that erode enamel, forming cavities. If untreated, the decay can significantly compromise the tooth structure. The bacteria can also progress deeper into the tooth, reaching the pulp and causing an infection. This infection can damage the tooth so severely that extraction becomes necessary. Additionally, the spread of decay and infection can harm surrounding teeth, leading to further tooth loss.
- Periodontal disease: This disease is also commonly known as gum disease. It is an infection that causes damage to the gums and bone, weakening the structures that help support your teeth. If it progresses to its advanced stages, the condition can deteriorate the bone and gum tissue, putting the entire area of your mouth at risk.
- Tooth trauma: Dental injuries can often lead to tooth loss. Trauma from car accidents, sports injuries, or any significant impact can cause teeth to become damaged or lost, depending on the severity of the injury.
Traditional Bridges vs. Implant Bridges
Dentists often treat areas of multiple missing teeth using a dental bridge. A traditional dental bridge is a row of artificial teeth that fills in the gap where teeth are missing. It essentially connects your natural teeth like a real bridge would, providing a full and restored smile.
A traditional bridge is supported by crowns on each end that fit over the healthy teeth. Therefore, to place the bridge, the healthy teeth on either side of the gap must be reshaped. Preparing these teeth involves filing down the enamel so the crowns fit snugly. These crowns keep your bridge in place and help restore your smile, but at a cost. Over time, the pressure on the teeth can weaken and damage the once-healthy teeth.
Implant bridges eliminate the need to alter your surrounding teeth since dental implants support the bridge instead. If you’re a good candidate for an implant-supported bridge, Dr. Bradford will place the necessary number of implants in the jawbone and then connect the false teeth. The result is a strong and seamless restoration that completes your smile, feels natural, and allows you to speak and eat with confidence.
The Mini Implant Difference
Traditional dental implants can be used to support a bridge. These implants are about 5 millimeters in diameter and composed of multiple parts. The implant body is placed directly into the jawbone, and an abutment is then screwed on. Unfortunately, this connection can create a gap where bacteria could accumulate, increasing the risk of infection.
Mini dental implants, which are less than 3 millimeters in diameter, can also support an implant bridge. Because they are just one piece, they greatly reduce the risk of infection. To place them, Dr. Bradford will carefully drill a small pilot hole through the gums and into the jawbone. He’ll repeat this process for each implant and screw the post into the jawbone. Because mini implants are “immediate loading implants,” they are stable as soon as they are secured in the bone. This allows Dr. Bradford to connect your temporary bridge immediately. With no need for incisions or stitches, the healing time required for these slim one-piece implants is much quicker than traditional ones.
While you heal, the dental lab will create your custom restoration. When ready, Dr. Bradford will cement the final dental bridge onto the mini implants to fill in the gap in your smile!
Dr. Brent Bradford is a proud member of the Mini Dental Implant Centers of America, an elite group of dentists who specialize in mini implants. With his expertise and dedication, Dr. Bradford is a trusted professional who can restore your smile with innovative implant solutions.
Book a Free Consultation To Discuss Implant Bridges Today!
While tooth loss can have many causes, we offer innovative solutions that can effectively restore your smile! Implant bridges offer a stable and natural-looking solution when you’re missing multiple teeth in one area. Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Bradford today to see if mini dental implant bridges are the right choice for you!
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