Many dental patients are self-conscious about missing teeth. Depending on the exact teeth that have been lost, this condition can also make it difficult to chew food. In many cases, a dental bridge can be used to replace lost teeth and restore a patient's smile.
As the name suggests, a dental bridge uses an artificial tooth (called a "pontic") to bridge a gap in a patient's teeth. If pontics are not implanted into the jawbone, they need to connect to existing teeth.
A traditional dental bridge connects the pontic to two dental crowns on either side of the gap. In this procedure, each tooth on either side of the gap is fitted with a dental crown, and the pontic is cemented to each crown. A simpler variant of the traditional bridge is the cantilever bridge, which connects a pontic to a single dental crown.
In some cases, a patient may prefer not to have the teeth on either side of a gap fitted with crowns. For these patients, a Maryland bridge may be a solution. A Maryland bridge also uses a pontic, but it is cemented to the natural teeth on either side of a dental gap. There is no need to fit these teeth with dental crowns, which simplifies the procedure.
For patients missing multiple teeth in a row, it is impossible to connect a pontic to two natural teeth. In these cases, implant-supported bridges may be advisable. For example, if a patient is missing three teeth in a row, the dental provider may place two implants and cement a pontic in the middle.
Getting implant-supported bridges tends to take longer than with other bridge types. Generally, an initial surgery places the implants, and the bridge is only placed after the implants have healed and successfully integrated with the jawbone. While the procedure takes more time, implant-supported bridges are usually considered to be the most stable and long-lasting bridge option available.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Bridges in Los Angeles, CA.
While dental bridges can be an economical way to replace one or more missing teeth, they do have one important limitation: They usually need to be replaced after between five and 15 years. In younger patients, bridges may not be the first choice for tooth replacement. Some dental professionals may choose to go with a dental implant, which is a more permanent solution.
For patients who are unsure if they need a dental bridge or an implant, it is a good idea to speak with a dental professional. Dentists can talk through the benefits and drawbacks of each option and often will make a recommendation based on the individual patient's circumstances.
Missing teeth can cause problems in everyday life, but patients can consult a dental professional for guidance on their replacement. Thanks to advances in dental technology, dental bridge replacements often blend in with the rest of a patient's new smile.
Request an appointment or call Sylmar Dental & Braces at 818-362-8333 for an appointment in our Los Angeles office.
A loose dental bridge can occur for many reasons, including excessive wear and tear, damage to the abutment teeth and periodontal concerns. The sooner that you can detect a loose or damaged dental bridge, the better chance you have to make an inexpensive repair and save the dental bridge from becoming lost. A dental bridge may…
Usually, patients can expect a dental crown to last around five to 15 years. But the life of a dental crown might depend on how much wear and tear the restoration undergoes. Plus, avoiding habits like clenching the teeth or chewing hard objects is advisable. That can extend the life span of the crown. Keep…
Cosmetic dentistry aims to improve the aesthetics of your smile. It might involve treatments that improve how your teeth appear or treatments that alter the way gum tissues at the base of your teeth look.Cosmetic dentistry often combines various treatments to address all of the issues that negatively impact the appearance of the patient’s teeth.…
Usually, patients can expect a dental crown to last around five to 15 years. But the life of a dental crown might depend on how much wear and tear the restoration undergoes. Plus, avoiding habits like clenching the teeth or chewing hard objects is advisable. That can extend the life span of the crown. Keep…
Cosmetic dentistry aims to improve the aesthetics of your smile. It might involve treatments that improve how your teeth appear or treatments that alter the way gum tissues at the base of your teeth look.Cosmetic dentistry often combines various treatments to address all of the issues that negatively impact the appearance of the patient’s teeth.…