Is a Dental Bridge the Right Option for Missing Teeth?

Posted by Garry S. on October 23rd, 2017

Missing tooth or gaps in between teeth can affect the functioning of your mouth. Dental bridges are basically false teeth that are anchored to your adjacent teeth so that missing teeth can be replaced. A Dental bridges is a non-removable prosthodontic device that is fixed over your existing teeth or implants and is not removable.

The false tooth is known as a 'pontic' and is fused between two dental crowns which are placed on the anchor teeth and therefore called a bridge.

How dental bridges work?

Dental bridges replace the gap between the remaining teeth by using the teeth surrounding the empty space as anchors. These adjacent teeth are called abutment teeth. The bridge consists of two crowns on either side with a pontic tooth attached in between these crowns. The crowns are then bonded or cemented onto the abutment teeth.

Dental bridges come in a variety of materials such as metal or tooth colored materials. Your dentist can help you decide which material can suit your needs after considering some important factors such as the location of the empty space, its functions, its compatibility with your mouth and cost.

Fixing dental bridges generally requires at least two appointments.

The advantages of dental bridges

• Prevents movement of adjacent and opposing teeth

• Helps restore function

• If it is a front tooth missing, helps restore esthetics

The disadvantages of dental bridges

• Have to remove tooth structure from adjacent teeth

• Can get recurrent decay around the bridge

• Have to use floss threaders to floss under bridge

• Bone loss will continue in area of missing tooth

After the treatment, make sure to frequently schedule a check-up with your dentist for good oral health.