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 five 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 Elm Street Family Dental at 541-393-9196 for an appointment in our Albany office.
A dental bridge is a method of replacing one or more lost teeth. People often use the word bridge to indicate a removable tooth replacement option, but dentists have a different opinion. Dental professionals consider bridges as a device that attaches to the teeth permanently and is not removable — at least not by patients.…
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An implant crown is an artificial tooth that is used as part of the dental implant process. The implant crowns can be used for restoration or even a full tooth replacement, depending on the patient's needs. They have grown in popularity and been proven successful over the last few years. However, one question that has…
A root canal is typically the best choice to relieve pain, preserve the tooth, and restore function when inflammation or infection in the fragile inner pulp of a tooth occurs. The dentist will do their best to offer a pain-free root canal operation, ensuring that you are comfortable and calm during the process. So, the…
An implant crown is an artificial tooth that is used as part of the dental implant process. The implant crowns can be used for restoration or even a full tooth replacement, depending on the patient's needs. They have grown in popularity and been proven successful over the last few years. However, one question that has…