As much as we try to take care of our dental health, tooth loss happens. Dentists have mastered the art of replacing lost teeth & their toolkits are full of solutions to fit your specific needs.
It is important to understand that replacing missing or rotten teeth is not just about looks. It's important for keeping your mouth healthy in the long run. Tooth loss can cause your remaining teeth to shift out of place and it may become difficult for you to bite, chew and speak. The resulting bone shifting can even affect your overall facial structure.
Replacing missing teeth is essential not only for maintaining an attractive smile but also for preserving oral function and long-term dental health. Dentists have an array of options, including dental implants, bridges, and dentures, to provide suitable solutions based on individual needs. These treatments aim to restore both the appearance and function of the smile while preventing potential complications associated with tooth loss.
Dental bridges are designed to replace a missing tooth & to stabilize the teeth on either side of the gap. There are few types of bridges available, but in most cases, bridges consist of a fake tooth (known as a pontic) that is supported by one or more neighboring teeth. Unlike a dental implant, a tooth replaced by a bridge is not directly rooted in your jaw, but is instead attached to nearby teeth.
Dental bridges are designed to replace a missing tooth & to stabilize the teeth on either side of the gap. There are few types of bridges available, but in most cases, bridges consist of a fake tooth (known as a pontic) that is supported by one or more neighboring teeth. Unlike a dental implant, a tooth replaced by a bridge is not directly rooted in your jaw, but is instead attached to nearby teeth.
The most common kind of dental bridge is called a traditional bridge. This is a pontic tooth attached to two dental crowns that will cover the adjacent teeth. In order to fit the crowns over the other teeth, the dentist needs to file them down. The crowns (sometimes called abutments) are placed over your reshaped teeth & secured with a composite bonding resin.
A cantilever bridge closely resembles a conventional bridge, with the key distinction being that the pontic, or artificial tooth, is attached to only one abutment rather than two. Due to its anchoring on just one side, this type of bridge is typically employed for teeth located at the farthest rear of your mouth.
The Maryland bridge, as the final type of bridge, employs a different approach. Instead of relying on crowns to anchor the pontic, it utilizes metal or porcelain bands that are affixed to adjacent teeth using bonding resin. The primary advantage of this method is that none of your teeth require the removal of enamel, unlike a traditional bridge. However, the drawback is that Maryland bridges tend to be less robust than their traditional counterparts and may not be suitable for replacing molars, which endure more force during chewing and can place greater strain on the bridge.
Obtaining a dental bridge is a more comprehensive process than your routine dental checkup. If you've previously had a dental crown, the experience of getting a bridge will be somewhat similar. It typically involves multiple appointments and necessitates preparatory work on your teeth. If any dental procedures are required on the supporting teeth, such as fillings or root canals, these must be completed beforehand.
The process generally unfolds as follows:
The longevity of your bridge is contingent on how well you maintain it. With proper care, a dental bridge can last for well over a decade. Consistent habits such as brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing at least once a day, cleaning underneath the pontic, and scheduling regular dental cleanings and maintenance will contribute to the longest possible lifespan for your bridge.