Bridges

Bridge treatment will restore lost teeth, support remaining teeth and help you maintain optimum dental health. If you're faced with tooth loss, bridge treatment may be the right option for you. This long-term solution can help prevent the cycle of problems that can occur when just one tooth is missing, such as shifting of the remaining teeth, decay, periodontal disease and bone loss.

What is a bridge & why are crowns involved?

A bridge is a custom device anchored to neighboring teeth that replaces one or more missing teeth. When a lost tooth is replaced with bridgework, the teeth on either side of the missing one must be prepared as crowns, serving as support to hold the prosthetic (replacement) teeth in place.

Crowns and bridgework are most often made from superior materials such as semiprecious or precious metals, porcelain or a combination of metal fused to porcelain. Both appearance and function are considered when selecting the material most suitable for you.

Why Is Bridge Treatment Necessary?

Losing a permanent tooth—whether it be due to dental decay, periodontal (gum) disease, injury or accident can cause many serious problems for your neighboring teeth.

Because the support and chewing forces are altered, the remaining teeth may begin to shift. The opposing tooth above or below the lost tooth can begin to move up or down and out of the socket, which can accelerate periodontal disease and further break down the bone structure. If the missing tooth is not replaced, more teeth may eventually be lost due to the improper forces exerted during chewing.

What Happens at My Appointment?

Once we determine that bridge treatment is necessary, a series of appointments will be scheduled for you. It is important for you to keep all of these appointments to prevent any delays in treatment. At the first appointment, we complete a thorough oral examination, including an evaluation of your dental history. Any necessary x-rays are completed at this time.

During the restorative procedure, we first numb the area to be treated. Next, we carefully shape and contour the tooth or teeth to be crowned to allow the bridge sufficient space for proper fit and appearance. Finally, we make an impression of the area and fit the teeth involved with a temporary bridge to protect them until your next appointment.

At the following appointment, we evaluate the final bridge for proper fit before placing it permanently, making final adjustments if necessary. Other factors we carefully consider at this time include:

• Aesthetics—color match and appearance
• Function—chewing and biting accuracy
• Tissue compatibility: the contour of the bridge must conform to the surrounding tissue in a natural, healthy position

What Are the Benefits of Bridge Treatment?

Crown and bridge treatment reverses the negative impact of missing teeth in a variety of ways:

• Restores and maintains the natural bite
• Prevents unnatural stress on other teeth
• Keeps opposing teeth in their proper place
• Prevents shifting and tilting of adjacent teeth
• Discourages further dental decay and gum disease
• Enhances your smile, speech and chewing function