Dental bridges are a custom-made prosthetic to replace a missing tooth. They are part of the many cosmetic and restorative procedures we offer. Bridges are permanently fixed in the mouth and cannot be easily removed. A bridge is supported by the neighboring teeth, known as abutments. The missing tooth is replaced by a crown, known as a pontic. Dental bridges are in essence, multiple crowns fused together. A bridge can help to restore normal biting functions, speech, face shape, and prevents drifting of teeth into misalignment.
A dental bridge and dental implant are great options for replacing missing teeth. It is worth considering that a bridge may require removing the natural tooth structure. Flossing under the bridge can be tedious, but necessary for the longevity of the restoration. Additionally, if one portion of the bridge fractures of gets a cavity, the entire bridge will have to be replaced. Bridges provide immediate results and can be completed within about 2 weeks.
Dental implants have become a more common treatment to replace missing teeth. They do not rely on adjacent teeth as abutments. However, implants require more invasive procedures, including surgery. Healthy bone is also necessary for a successful implant. Implants will require multiple appointments and healing time to allow the implant to fully integrate with the bone before an implant crown can be placed.
A conventional fixed dental bridge generally has a lifespan of five to fifteen years, although a good deal of them actually last longer when patients clean them carefully every day and go in for regular dental check-ups. The length of time that your particular bridge will last is largely determined by the condition of the abutment (the anchor) teeth on both sides, as these teeth have to bear additional chewing pressure after the bridge is fitted. Bridges constructed from more durable materials such as zirconia are likely to endure well, but a robust bridge can still fail prematurely if decay appears on one of the abutment teeth below it. The most important thing for getting the maximum life from your bridge is to keep up routine cleanings and to deal with any loosening or discomfort as soon as possible.
Regular floss can’t reach under the artificial tooth (pontic) that spans the gap, so cleaning a bridge properly requires a floss threader, a specialized product like super floss, an interdental/interproximal brush, or a water flosser to get underneath and around the abutment teeth. This daily cleaning matters because plaque trapped under a bridge can lead to decay or gum disease on the abutment teeth supporting it. Your dentist or hygienist can show you the specific technique that works best for your bridge’s shape at your next cleaning.
To fit a bridge, the abutment teeth must first be numbed with local anaesthetic before being reshaped so that they can hold the crowns which secure the bridge; thus the procedure should not cause any pain. It is normal to experience some mild soreness or sensitivity in the days that follow, particularly in the gum area near the abutment teeth, and this generally responds well to painkillers available over the counter. However, if the bridge is being supported by implants, you should allow for a bit more time for healing and anticipate some discomfort connected with the implant surgery itself. Let your dentist know if the soreness is sharp or if it does not improve after a few days or gets worse rather than better.
A dental bridge is permanently fixed in position by means of crowns on the adjacent teeth (or by means of an implant) to support an artificial tooth which is placed in the gap so that it works and feels like a natural tooth. A partial denture is a removable device having an artificial tooth attached to a clasp or framework that you remove each night in order to clean it, which causes it to be less stable when chewing but means that none of your existing teeth need to be reshaped. Bridges generally feel more secure and natural on a day-to-day basis, whereas partial dentures are usually less invasive to fit and can therefore be a suitable choice when a fixed bridge is not possible. Your dentist can show you which option is best suited to your particular gap, budget, and long-term objectives.
The teeth on either side of a bridge have to bear the extra biting force that would normally act on the missing tooth, and as a result they are more likely to become worn down, break, or develop decay over time particularly when the area beneath them is not cleaned thoroughly each day. Should one of these teeth get a cavity or the bone that supports it become weaker, the entire bridge may be affected and in some cases it will be necessary to treat the abutment tooth or rebuild the bridge. By having regular dental checkups you allow your dentist to use X-rays to examine the abutment teeth and to detect any problems before they put the bridge at risk. That is also the reason it is important to keep your remaining teeth as healthy as possible before fitting a bridge since this affects how long the bridge will last.
Various dental insurance policies cover part of the cost of a bridge as part of their major restorative benefits, just as they do for crowns, although the exact percentages and annual limits differ greatly from one plan to another. A number of insurance companies ask for proof that the missing tooth needs to be replaced for practical reasons, and the majority include a waiting period or what is known as a ‘missing tooth clause’ which can affect coverage if the tooth was already absent when your policy began. Since the details vary so much between insurers, the most dependable way of knowing your out-of-pocket expense is to have your dental office check your particular benefits before undergoing treatment. Request a written pre-treatment quote so that there are no surprises.
Magnolia Dental, located at 9328 S Jordan Rd in Parker, CO, offers dental bridges in gold, porcelain-fused-to-metal, all-ceramic, and zirconia to replace missing teeth for patients throughout the Parker area. The practice also discusses implant-supported alternatives during a consultation if a fixed bridge isn’t the best fit for your situation. When comparing local providers, it’s worth asking how many bridge material options they offer and whether they handle implant-supported bridges in-house or refer that portion out. You can reach Magnolia Dental at (720) 647-9880 to schedule a consultation.