What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. It can be supported by natural teeth or dental implants. The idea is that we're spanning a space, much like a bridge does, with support on either side and replacement teeth in between.
The replacement teeth fill the gap and help restore your ability to chew and function.
What is the difference between a bridge and dentures?
One of the main differences between a bridge and a traditional removable denture is how they're supported. A removable denture may rest on the gums and, depending on the type, receive additional support from remaining teeth or implants.
A fixed dental bridge is attached to supporting teeth or implants and isn't removed by the patient for daily cleaning. This provides a stable replacement that can help restore chewing function.
Removable dentures can also restore function, but they may move during chewing and can feel different from fixed restorations.
What are the benefits of a dental bridge?
One benefit of a traditional tooth-supported bridge is that it usually doesn't require surgery. We prepare the teeth on either side of the missing space to support the restoration, which replaces the missing tooth or teeth between them.
A tooth-supported bridge can also often be completed more quickly than an implant-supported restoration because it doesn't require the same surgical placement and healing process.
For some patients who aren't appropriate candidates for implant surgery, a traditional bridge may be another option. We evaluate the health of the supporting teeth, gums, and surrounding structures before recommending treatment.
What are the disadvantages of a dental bridge?
One consideration with a traditional bridge is that the neighboring teeth usually need to be prepared for crowns. If those teeth are otherwise healthy, that means removing some natural tooth structure to support the restoration.
Anytime we prepare a tooth, there's also a possibility of sensitivity or other complications, including the potential need for additional treatment.
Another consideration is cleaning. Because the replacement tooth is connected to the supporting crowns, you can't floss between those connected portions in the same way you would between natural teeth. Instead, you need to clean underneath the bridge using appropriate flossing tools or other recommended cleaning aids.
What are the different types of dental bridges?
Dental bridges can be supported by natural teeth or dental implants. With a traditional tooth-supported bridge, the teeth on either side of the missing space are prepared to support the restoration, which is then cemented in place.
An implant-supported bridge uses dental implants as the supporting structures instead of relying entirely on natural teeth. This can be an option when multiple teeth are missing and the patient has adequate bone and appropriate oral health for implant treatment.
Connecting natural teeth and implants within the same restoration requires special consideration because natural teeth have some movement within their supporting tissues, while implants are more rigidly integrated with the bone. We generally prefer to plan these restorations carefully and avoid combining different types of support unless the individual situation warrants it.
What is the difference between a removable and fixed dental bridge?
When people refer to a removable dental bridge, they're often talking about a removable partial denture. That's a restoration you can take out of your mouth for cleaning and maintenance.
A fixed dental bridge stays attached to the supporting teeth or implants. A traditional tooth-supported bridge is generally cemented in place and isn't removed for routine daily cleaning.
Some implant-supported bridges are screw-retained, which means a dental professional can remove them when clinically necessary. The maintenance approach depends on the design of the restoration and the patient's individual needs.
What is a cantilever dental bridge?
A cantilever bridge is a restoration where the replacement tooth extends beyond its supporting tooth or implant rather than being supported on both sides.
Think of a fishing pier that extends beyond its supports. That extension creates different forces on the structure, and the same principle applies in the mouth.
We generally try to limit cantilevers because they can place additional forces on the supporting structures. However, there are certain situations where a carefully designed cantilever bridge may be appropriate. It depends on the location, bite forces, available support, and overall treatment plan.
How can a dental bridge help patients with gum disease?
Patients with periodontal disease may experience bone loss around their teeth, which can sometimes lead to increased tooth mobility.
In certain situations, connecting teeth together with a fixed restoration can help stabilize them. It's similar to fence posts. One post may move on its own, but when several posts are connected, they can provide support as a group.
However, a bridge doesn't treat the underlying gum disease. We need to evaluate and manage the periodontal condition and determine whether the remaining teeth have adequate support before considering this type of restoration.
Is dental bridge treatment painful?
Dental bridge treatment is generally performed with local anesthesia when teeth need to be prepared. We want to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure, and if you're experiencing discomfort, let us know so we can address it.
Some temporary sensitivity or gum tenderness can occur afterward, particularly around the prepared teeth or areas where impressions were taken. This typically improves as the tissues recover.
If you experience significant or persistent pain, contact the office so we can evaluate what's causing it.
What does the dental bridge procedure involve?
For a traditional tooth-supported bridge, we begin by preparing the teeth on either side of the missing space so they can support the restoration.
We then take an impression or digital scan of the prepared teeth and surrounding area. That information is sent to a dental laboratory, where the bridge is fabricated to fit your bite and match the appearance of your natural teeth.
We typically place a temporary bridge while the permanent restoration is being made. Once the final bridge is ready, we'll have you return so we can evaluate the fit, appearance, and bite before cementing it into place.
How long does a dental bridge last?
I get this question a lot, and the answer depends on several factors. Dental bridges can function for many years, with a common lifespan of around 10 to 15 years, although some last considerably longer.
It's a little like taking care of a vehicle. Regular maintenance can help keep everything functioning properly, but individual components may still wear or need repair over time.
The lifespan of a bridge depends on the health of the supporting teeth or implants, the materials used, your bite, oral hygiene, and regular dental care. Even with appropriate maintenance, there's no guarantee that a bridge will last for a specific number of years.
How should you care for your dental bridge?
Caring for a dental bridge is important because the supporting teeth and surrounding gums still need to stay healthy.
With a traditional fixed bridge, you can't floss between the connected crowns and replacement tooth in the usual way. Instead, you need to clean underneath the replacement tooth and around the supporting teeth.
One option is a floss threader, which allows you to guide floss underneath the bridge. Super Floss or other specialized flossing products can also be helpful. Depending on the design of the restoration, interdental brushes or water flossers may be useful as additional cleaning aids.
If the bridge is supported by natural teeth, those teeth can still develop cavities, particularly around the margins of the crowns. That's why daily brushing, cleaning underneath the bridge, and regular dental examinations are important.
We also recommend professional cleanings and maintenance visits based on your individual oral health. Patients with a history of periodontal disease may need more frequent maintenance appointments.
When should you schedule a consultation for a dental bridge?
If you're missing one or more teeth and wondering whether a dental bridge might be right for you, schedule a consultation.
We'll evaluate your remaining teeth, gums, bite, and supporting structures to determine whether a traditional bridge, implant-supported bridge, or another tooth replacement option makes sense for your situation.
If you’re looking for dental care you can trust, call us at (832) 662-8466 or email [email protected]. We’re here to help you have the smile you've always wanted!