Why exactly do we lose our teeth? The answer lies in a combination of factors: gradual wear, decay, trauma, periodontal disease, infection, or other dental problems. Every tooth has a breaking point at which it cannot be saved, and extraction is imminent. But although most of us face the prospect of eventually losing a permanent tooth, the solution can be simple. A lost tooth doesn’t always mean you need take drastic measures to replace it. With a dental bridge, you’ll be able to fill the space left by the tooth without surgery or dentures. The bridge will look like a natural part of your smile, and will be bonded firmly in place to serve as a permanent tooth replacement.
When A Dental Bridge Is Right For You
With the number of restorations available, you have the luxury of choosing which one appeals the most to your needs and sensibilities. Our dentists will help you decide whether a dental bridge is the right decision. In general, dental bridges are the best choice for patients
- Missing one tooth
- Missing several teeth in the same area
- Hoping to avoid surgery
- Not yet ready for / needing dentures
Because bridges draw on the strength of adjacent teeth to succeed, your neighboring teeth will need to be in strong health. We will determine whether they are able to support a bridge and recommend the best course of action.
Types of Dental Bridges
Different bridges are right for different cases. Your options include:
- Traditional bridge – This is the bridge we have discussed on this page; two crowns that fit over neighboring teeth, to fit a false tooth into the gap.
- Cantilever bridge – The cantilever bridge makes tooth replacement possible when there aren’t healthy teeth on either side of a space. A crown or multiple crowns will support the false tooth from one side of the gap.
- Maryland bridge – Sometimes, patients aren’t able to undergo crown prep. In this case, a Maryland bridge will connect the restoration to teeth with a wire framework.
- Implant-supported bridge – Dental implants can support bridges and remove the need for crowns. This is optimal when patients don’t want to weaken surrounding teeth.
If you’re ready to replace a missing tooth, we’d love to spend time talking dental bridges with you. Get in touch with our office today.
