Comprehensive Guide To Dental Bridges For Lost Teeth

The loss of a tooth is a common issue for many people, both old and young and for so many different reasons. A dental bridge is often the most effective and affordable solution to treat the problem, and here, we will learn about the procedure.

Tooth Loss and Missing Teeth Gaps

The common causes of tooth loss can include decay, injuries due to impact, and various periodontal diseases.

Poor oral health is often the main cause for premature falling of teeth, whether it’s caused by neglecting the regular dental check-up at your dentists or not maintaining a good habit of brushing, flossing, and other oral hygiene practices.

Traumatic injuries from blunt force are also a common cause of root fracture—or in more severe cases, the damage of jawbone structure—which can lead to tooth loss.

Periodontal diseases especially when gum infections are involved are also a common cause. These diseases are often caused by excessive tobacco consumption (both chewing and smoking), poor nutrition, and bad habits like teeth grinding.

A lost tooth will leave a gap between the existing teeth, which can cause speech difficulty as well as chewing problems. Anxiety and even the loss of consciousness are also common symptoms in more severe cases. This is where a dental bridge is necessary to fill in this gap, both for cosmetic and health reasons.

The Different Types of Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is a literal bridge to fill the gap created by one or more missing teeth.

In general, the procedure involves implanting an artificial tooth—the pontic— on the place of the missing tooth, and then the “bridge”, which is made up of one or more crowns on either side of the artificial tooth, is installed.

The anchoring teeth besides the pontic are called abutment teeth. The pontic and the crowns, however, can be made of different materials:

• Traditional bridge

The two crowns and the pontic are made of ceramic or porcelain materials. This is the most common type of dental bridge, generally involving the most basic design discussed above.

• Maryland-bonded bridge

Often known as the resin-bonded bridge, and is usually made of porcelain or porcelain-fused metal. The structure is a little different than a traditional bridge, where a pontic is supported by a metal frame that is resin-bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth, as opposed to the crowns. Generally, it’s more affordable than a traditional bridge, but because no crown is involved, the structure is often not as strong.

• Cantilever bridge

Very similar to a traditional bridge, but the pontic is supported by just one abutment tooth, instead of both sides. This is a common option if there’s only one healthy tooth next to the gap. Because it’s only supported on one side, it’s often not as stable as traditional bridges.

• Implant-supported bridge

This is the option commonly implemented when there are more than one tooth missing. Instead of using crowns or frames to support the pontic, dental implants are used to support the bridge.

Each implant is required for each missing tooth, which will support the bridge. Another option is to have two crowns—each supported with an implant— to suspend the pontic in place. Since the bridge is secured by implants, it is very stable and comfortable, but often the most expensive option.

The Benefits of Dental Bridges

In the case of missing teeth, the dental bridge procedure can give various benefits such as:

• Cosmetic reasons, restoring your smile to its previous state, and maintain your facial structure
• Restoring speech and chewing problems often caused by the missing teeth
• Restoring bite strength by distributing the forces in your bite properly
• Preventing the adjacent healthy teeth from drifting out of position

An Overview of The Dental B

ridge Procedure

Typically the dental bridge procedure will require at least two appointments with your dentist.

The first appointment will be about preparing the abutment—or artificial— tooth, which can involve the removal of the enamel to give room for the crown. models of the teeth are made to allow the dental lab to produce the pontic, crowns, and bridges. Your dentist will place a temporary bridge to secure the gums and teeth while the permanent bridge is manufactured.

The second appointment is done after the permanent bridge is finished. The dentist will remove the temporary, and the permanent bridge will be placed over it. If necessary, the dentist will make further adjustments until you get a perfect fit.

Depending on your case, multiple visits might be necessary to check whether the bridge fits perfectly, as well as to test your bite strength. Adjustments will be made when necessary.

Also, depending on the bridge type, your dentist might temporarily cement the bridge in place for one or two weeks to make sure it’s going to fit without issues After the bridge is properly fitted, the dentist will permanently cement it in place.

Things To Consider Before A Dental Bridge Procedure

• If you are smoking, make sure to stop smoking for at least a day before the procedure. Avoid any alcohol intake 24-hours before the procedure as it can reduce the blood flow, which can interfere with preoperative medicines and prolong your recovery.
• The dentist might prescribe antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medicines before the procedure to help ease the pain during and after the procedure. If not, you might consult your dentist for this.
• Avoid any blood-thinning medicines for a few days. Thinner blood might lead to reduced blood clotting during the procedure and recovery, which can prolong your recovery period. Consult with your dentist if you are currently taking these medicines.
• The missing tooth area should be properly cleaned before the procedure to prevent and remove any infection risks.
• After the procedure, minimize chewing on the side of the bridge.
• Avoid chewing overly hard foods as it might displace the bridge. Also, sticky foods can move the bridge from its original place, so avoid taking them for at least a few days after the procedure.
• Maintain your regular oral hygiene practice during the recovery period. The teeth underneath the bridge can still decay.