Losing your teeth will definitely change the look of your smile. Whether tooth loss is due to periodontal disease, trauma, severe tooth decay, or a genetic disorder, tooth loss can lead to a variety of problems. Regardless of how a tooth is lost, over time it can have a negative impact on the alignment of the tooth and can caue all sorts of problems later if not replaced. Sometimes you don’t realize the value of a tooth until you lose it, and unfortunately teeth don’t last forever. Loosing teeth can have a negative impact on oral health and confidence. Missing one or more teeth can directly cause problems to speech, the ability to chew food, the integrity of the jawbone, and can also cause the teeth to slowly move into the open space. Luckily,in our dental clinic in Koramangala there are some great options to replace missing teeth and restore a beautiful smile like dental bridge, implants and more.
Table of Contents
What is a dental bridge?
If you have missing teeth, your dentist can fill the gaps in your smile with dental bridges or with dental implants. A dental bridge is a false tooth (called a pontic) held by abutments on either side of the gap. Pontics can be made of a variety of materials, including gold, but are usually made of porcelain to aesthetically match natural teeth.
Dental bridge types
Conventional dental bridge
A traditional dental bridge consists of a denture or tooth held in place by a crown cemented to each of the abutments. A traditional bridge is the most popular type of dental bridge and can be used when there are natural teeth on either side of the gap left by the missing tooth.
Cantilever dental bridge
Similar to a traditional bridge, in a cantilever teeth bridge the pontic is held in place by a crown that is cemented to only one abutment tooth. Cantilever bridges only needs one natural tooth next to the gap between the missing teeth.
Maryland dental bridge
Like a traditional bridge, a Maryland dental bridge uses two natural abutments, one on each side of the gap. However, while traditional bridges use crowns on the abutments, Maryland bridges use a metal or porcelain framework that is stuck with glue to the back of the abutments.
Like traditional bridges, Maryland bridges can only be used if there are natural teeth on either side of the gap left by the missing tooth.
Implant-supported dental bridge
As the name suggests, implant-supported bridges use dental implants as opposed to crowns or frameworks. Implants are usually surgically placed for each missing tooth, and these implants hold the bridge in place. If implants are not possible for all missing teeth, the bridge provides for a pontic to be suspended between her two implant-supported crowns. Implant-supported bridges are considered the strongest and most stable systems and usually require two surgeries.
- One is for the implant to be placed in the jawbone.
- second operation to place the bridge
It may take several months for the process to be fully completed.
Dental Bridge alternatives
Some people choose partial dentures, which are removable dentures. They take them out to clean them. You can also be a candidate for dental implants. An implant is surgically placed in the jaw. Your dentist can help you know what the best options are for you.
Teeth Bridging treatment procedure
- Abutment preparation: At your first visit, your doctor will prepare the abutments. Remove some of the enamel and dentin, leaving a space for the crown.
- Impressions: Your healthcare provider will take impressions or digital scans of your teeth. Dental laboratories use molds or scans as models to create bridges, dentures and crowns. A temporary bridge will be provided to protect the exposed part of the mouth while the lab creates the bridge.
- Permanent bridge placement: During the second visit, the provider removes the temporary bridge and places a permanent bridge. Your provider will carefully inspect your bridge and make any necessary adjustments for a comfortable fit.
Conclusion
Missing teeth can affect eating, speaking and smiling. A dental bridge can restore the appearance and function of your mouth. Dental bridges that fill the gaps left by missing teeth can last for years. Maintain good oral hygiene and have regular cleanings at your dentist’s office. Ask your doctor if a dental bridge is right for you.
