When a Dentist May Recommend a Dental Bridge

Dental bridge restoration is one of the services a dentist can offer you. This is a restorative option to replace missing or severely damaged tooth/teeth. Two or more crowns are cemented together and are inserted as a single unit. A crown, one on each end, sits over an abutment (either an implant or a healthy tooth). Let's look at what a dentist can help you with.

Who is eligible for a dental bridge?

Check out these simple ways to be eligible for a dental bridge:

• More than one or more missing teeth (either congenital or acquired)
• Severely damaged tooth or teeth
• Good oral hygiene
• Who is fit to undergo an oral procedure

When is a dental bridge recommended?

You are eligible for a dental bridge if you meet the following:

• You are missing one or more teeth
• You still have surrounding healthy teeth
• You don’t have an allergy to porcelain
• You are mentally and psychologically ready to have the procedure

Types of dental bridges

Note that there are different types of bridges. Each one has its indications.

• Traditional dental bridges
• Cantilever dental bridges
• Maryland dental bridges
• Implant-supported dental bridges

Traditional bridge

Traditional bridges are the most common type of dental bridge. Here, the healthy tooth on each side of the tooth is reshaped to receive the crowns of the bridge over them. These teeth are called the abutment tooth/teeth. The crowns are attached to the teeth using cement.

The healthy teeth surrounding the gap serve as an anchor. The false teeth (or pontic) between the crowns remain afloat (i.e., have no inferior attachment). Traditional bridges are remarkable for their durability.

Cantilever bridges

Unlike traditional bridge types, cantilever bridges have an implant attached to only one tooth. They are indicated for use when there is only one tooth adjacent to the gap. They are favorable for replacing a back tooth. They are also a poor option for a front tooth because teeth adjacent to the gap (also front teeth) will have to be reshaped.

Maryland Bridge

This is also called a resin-bonded dental bridge. Instead of dental crowns, metal or porcelain flaps are used. These flaps attach to the back of the adjacent teeth with the aid of an adhesive. Hence, no need for adjacent teeth modification. A downside of this type of bridge is that the metal and the adhesive can cause discoloration of the teeth. They are indicated in the replacement of a front tooth.

Implant-supported bridge

This is like the traditional type. The outmost tooth on each side of the bridge is attached to an implant beneath. This is an invasive procedure that will require the use of anesthesia and some recovery time.

Implant-supported bridges take two procedures to place. The first surgery is to insert the implant into the jawbone, and a second surgery places the bridge over the implants and the tooth gap.