Many dental patients are self-conscious about missing teeth. Depending on the exact teeth that have been lost, this condition can also make it difficult to chew food. In many cases, a dental bridge can be used to replace lost teeth and restore a patient's smile.
As the name suggests, a dental bridge uses an artificial tooth (called a "pontic") to bridge a gap in a patient's teeth. If pontics are not implanted into the jawbone, they need to connect to existing teeth.
A traditional dental bridge connects the pontic to two dental crowns on either side of the gap. In this procedure, each tooth on either side of the gap is fitted with a dental crown, and the pontic is cemented to each crown. A simpler variant of the traditional bridge is the cantilever bridge, which connects a pontic to a single dental crown.
In some cases, a patient may prefer not to have the teeth on either side of a gap fitted with crowns. For these patients, a Maryland bridge may be a solution. A Maryland bridge also uses a pontic, but it is cemented to the natural teeth on either side of a dental gap. There is no need to fit these teeth with dental crowns, which simplifies the procedure.
For patients missing multiple teeth in a row, it is impossible to connect a pontic to two natural teeth. In these cases, implant-supported bridges may be advisable. For example, if a patient is missing three teeth in a row, the dental provider may place two implants and cement a pontic in the middle.
Getting implant-supported bridges tends to take longer than with other bridge types. Generally, an initial surgery places the implants, and the bridge is only placed after the implants have healed and successfully integrated with the jawbone. While the procedure takes more time, implant-supported bridges are usually considered to be the most stable and long-lasting bridge option available.
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While dental bridges can be an economical way to replace one or more missing teeth, they do have one important limitation: They usually need to be replaced after between 5 and 15 years. In younger patients, bridges may not be the first choice for tooth replacement. Some dental professionals may choose to go with a dental implant, which is a more permanent solution.
For patients who are unsure if they need a dental bridge or an implant, it is a good idea to speak with a dental professional. Dentists can talk through the benefits and drawbacks of each option and often will make a recommendation based on the individual patient's circumstances.
Missing teeth can cause problems in everyday life, but patients can consult a dental professional for guidance on their replacement. Thanks to advances in dental technology, dental bridge replacements often blend in with the rest of a patient's new smile.
Request an appointment or call North Shore Laser Dentistry at 516-364-8899 for an appointment in our Syosset office.
A dental bridge is a common dental restoration used for replacing lost teeth, whether the loss was due to trauma, structural damage, infection or decay. The dental bridge is as the name implies; a bridge over the gap created by a missing tooth. The teeth on the sides of the gap function as anchors and…
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Dental implants are artificial teeth roots that can be used to replace missing teeth. A tooth can be knocked out by trauma to the face, or it might fall out due to bone loss caused by periodontal disease or severe tooth decay.Most people will lose at least one of their teeth at some point in their…
Preventive dentistry focuses on the prevention and early detection of oral health concerns to help ensure they do not develop or progress to a more severe stage that is harder to treat. One of the primary goals of preventive dentistry is to help patients care for their teeth between check-up visits, which should include proper…
Dental implants are artificial teeth roots that can be used to replace missing teeth. A tooth can be knocked out by trauma to the face, or it might fall out due to bone loss caused by periodontal disease or severe tooth decay.Most people will lose at least one of their teeth at some point in their…