My tooth is missing and I need a dental bridge. How can I bridge the gap? Implant? Bridge? Let's look at your possibilities.
Surprisingly often, dental problems can range from a persistent toothache to cavities to the entire loss of a permanent tooth. No matter what issue you are having with your dental health, there is a dentist out there who can help.
One dental operation for which people visit their dentist on a somewhat regular basis is a dental bridge. If you are unfamiliar with this piece of equipment, that is very understandable. The majority of people are only familiar with the simpler procedures in dentistry, such scaling and fillings.
On the other side, bridges play a critical role in helping people who are missing teeth regain their oral health. They are often used in the field of restorative dentistry to address a range of potential problems.
The following page will provide all the details you need about dental bridges, including the many types, advantages, remedies, and costs.
One type of prosthetic that can be used to replace a missing tooth or set of teeth is a dental bridge. Bridges are frequently made of ceramic or porcelain. When it comes to how they carry out their functions, bridges are fundamentally different from dental implants, which also insert artificial roots into the gum.
It is customary to use one of the teeth on either side of the gap left by the lost tooth or teeth while building a bridge. The technique of fastening the bridge in place makes use of these teeth that are close to the gap. To "bridge" the gap left by the missing teeth and aid in their closure, a prosthetic tooth is placed there.
It is standard procedure to file down the adjacent teeth until they can support a dental crown. Dental crowns are specialist caps that dentists place over teeth to restore them to their original function after they have been chipped or filed down. They are constructed of material of the highest medical grade. The crown that fills in the space left by the missing tooth will also function as a bridge, albeit it may be noticeably broader or deeper than the crowns that join the adjacent teeth.
Why do I need a dental bridge in this circumstance?
For a variety of reasons, including the following, if you have lost teeth, a dental bridge may be beneficial for you:
• Ever since you lost that tooth, have you been unable to smile? Do not worry; a dental bridge can assist in restoring the situation to its original state.
Dental bridges can help prevent the spread of an infection to your exposed gums.
• Losing teeth makes it difficult to chew food, but dental bridges can help you regain that ability.
Since missing teeth can occasionally affect how the gums and jaw develop, it's critical to replace them as soon as possible. It is crucial to replace any missing teeth as a result.
What various types of dental bridges are there?
Since bridges are a successful treatment for a variety of dental problems, dentists have created a broad variety of unique bridge types to help address various dental conditions, including the following:
• The Traditional Fixed Bridge: When restoring lost teeth, this style of bridge is most usually employed. When utilizing this technique, the teeth that are close to the gap left by the missing tooth are covered with crowns. On either side of the opening are these teeth. The gap is filled with a filler tooth, which is secured in place with complementing crowns. These kinds of bridges are frequently made of porcelain that has been fused to a metal or ceramic object. When two healthy teeth are present on either side of the missing tooth, this surgery works well. But each of these teeth will require some reduction work in order for them to successfully support new crowns.
• Cantilever Bridge: When one of the neighboring teeth needed to support a second new crown has been lost, a cantilever bridge is used. A total of two artificial crowns are implanted within the patient's mouth, as opposed to the standard three crowns used in a fixed bridge.
• Resin-Bonded Bridges: Resin-bonded bridges are another term for Maryland Bonded Bridges, which are dental restorations used to replace missing front teeth. This technique is used to anchor a pontic to healthy teeth that are nearby. The recently implanted artificial tooth's position is maintained with the help of this tactic. It doesn't involve shaping or filing the teeth next to the damaged tooth.
What is the process for placing a dental bridge?
• Placing a dental bridge is a relatively straightforward procedure that usually only needs one or two trips to the dentist's office to be completed. The exposed gum and the area just around it will first be cleaned by the dentist. The neighboring teeth that are pertinent will then be filed down, and the area will then be disinfected once more. The teeth are then slightly reshaped so that an artificial crown can be supported. After this, a mold is created in order to construct the bridge. Dentists frequently provide their patients temporary bridges to wear while they await the preparation of their permanent bridges.
Your dentist will next finish by using a specific dental adhesive to attach the bridge to the teeth. Dentists must decide whether to use a dental implant as the anchor for a bridge for each individual patient. But in other circumstances, it might be the wisest choice.
How much does getting a dental bridge cost?
Dental care is never inexpensive. A standard or cantilever bridge might run you anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 to build. A bridge in Maryland costs between $1500 and $2500 to build. Budget between $4,000 and $15,000 for the treatment if you choose to have a bridge supported by implants.
The good news is that having dental insurance can significantly reduce the costs associated with these procedures by as much as 50%. As a result, the maximum cost for a traditional or cantilever bridge drops to $2,500, while the costs for a Maryland bridge and implant-supported bridge rise to $1,250 and $7,500, respectively.
Depending on the circumstances, a different sum of money may be required to cover the cost of the procedure.
What is the lifespan of a dental bridge?
The lifespan of a dental bridge is typically between 10 and 15 years; however, depending on how well the patient takes care of their original teeth, this number may be increased or decreased. The bridge could begin to deteriorate in as short as five to seven years, though, if you neglect it and abuse it violently.
You may extend the life of dental bridges by brushing your teeth twice daily. Dental practitioners frequently recommend silica-containing toothpaste as it is their preferred brand. You should floss your teeth as well. Avoiding foods and beverages that are high in sugar or acid is advised if you wish to maintain the health of your bridge.
What are the potential drawbacks of using dental bridges?
Dental bridges are effective; the installation process is made painless by the use of an anesthetic, and the actual installation process can be finished in a fair amount of time. There might, however, be a few issues with this procedure. Here is a summary of some typical potential issues that could occur with dental bridges:
• The teeth next to the space left by a missing tooth are typically filed down in order to aid in supporting a new crown. Teeth that are generally in excellent health are altered by this. • Dental bridges are more prone to produce infections than implants or fillings because of their intricate structure, which makes them difficult to keep clean. • You must file down the teeth next to the gap in order to obtain a traditional or cantilever bridge. On the other hand, if you follow strict hygiene guidelines, you shouldn't experience any problems.
• Every ten to fifteen years, bridges should be modernized.
You should give the issues mentioned above careful thought before deciding to acquire a dental bridge. There are many benefits to building a bridge, but there are certain negatives as well that must be overlooked. As a result, many people consider other solutions, with implants being the most popular choice.
Implants or bridges? The query is that.
The decision of whether to acquire bridges or implants has been highly contested for a very long time.
Generally speaking, implants last longer than bridges. Contrary to bridges, which often only endure between 10 and 15 years, they can typically offer you protection for the duration of your life. Along with this advantage, implants are known to support strong jawbones. This is due to the fact that they are entirely attached within your gum as compared to regular veneers, which are only placed over raw gum tissue. The existence of implants won't put your jaw's mechanics at risk; they'll continue to function as they always have.
Dental bridges are significantly more likely to become infected than implants are. In order to help you keep a clean and healthy bridge, your dentist may suggest additional dental care procedures. It can be challenging to brush and floss around the false crowns. Your bridge will remain in good shape if you do this.
On the other hand, if you consistently use toothpaste to brush your teeth, visit the dentist for checkups, and floss your teeth in the proper places, your bridge will surely continue to be infection-free.
Because there are several advantages to having implants instead of bridges, people frequently opt for this procedure. In spite of the fact that patients have the option of having implants, bridges are still the most common and commonly used method of tooth replacement.
The single most significant argument that can be made in favor of this result is the price. Getting a bridge is substantially less expensive than getting an implant. Implants may need for additional procedures like grafting or a sinus lift, all of which raise the overall cost of the procedure.
These extra procedures do not need to be finished for bridges. The strength of the gums or the density of the jawbone are trivial and can be easily disregarded concerns. Additionally, no type of surgical treatment is required for the placement of a bridge.
Finding a dentist as soon as possible and scheduling an appointment for a dental bridge is your best option if money is tight or you'd prefer to avoid invasive surgical procedures.
Several final thoughts
As is evident, there is a wide variety of bridge types to choose from. To help you select the solution that is best for you, you should review your options with a qualified dentist. Before committing to a specific appointment time, be sure to carefully consider all of your possibilities.
Making a dentist appointment can be a challenging and time-consuming task, especially if you're in a rush and don't know where to hunt for a trustworthy dentist in your region. But once you organize the specifics of your visit, you'll be happy you did.
Never put off getting dental work done, especially if it's something as significant as mending a bridge. If you take the necessary steps to care for your teeth, you can quickly make them pain-free.
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Dr. Marianne Cohan was voted The Best Dentist/ Dental Office and Best Cosmetic Dentist from The Las Vegas Review-Journal in 2020 and 2021. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1992.
With an emphasis on cosmetic dentistry, complete makeovers, and implant dentistry, Dr. Cohan is committed to continuing education and feels that we never stop learning. Dr. Cohan takes pride in using high-powered magnification to perform minimally invasive restorative dentistry. She uses all the latest technological advances including digital radiography, digital photography, computer simulations, and high-resolution pictures of your proposed treatment on 55-inch screens. She also utilizes CBCT (cone beam) and laser technology.
Dr. Cohan is always available to her patients and is available for any dental emergency.
