When it comes to replacing missing teeth, you can choose between options like dentures, a dental bridge, and dental implants. The last thing you want to do is leave the missing teeth unreplaced as it can have undesirable consequences on oral health. This article explains what a dental bridge is, how it works, and how many teeth can be restored at one time.
One of the questions patients often have is related to the number of teeth that can be replaced with a dental bridge. The answer to this is complicated since there are different kinds of scenarios that could play out. The application of a dental bridge depends on the patient’s age, bite, and the condition of the adjacent teeth.
For resin-bonded bridges, only one tooth is ideal for the highest rate of success. For regular bridges, it is possible to have a larger number of missing teeth — the dentist can have six teeth on the bridgework connected to two teeth. To get more information on what is possible, patients will need to discuss with the dentist and undergo a dental evaluation. Any tooth on the jaw can be replaced with a bridge, but it is preferable to use them for front teeth where there is minimal use of chewing force.
A conventional bridge involves the use of crowns to hold the bridge in place. It requires filing down two adjacent teeth to anchor the bridge. This type of bridge is effective because it has a high success rate, but some tooth preparation will be necessary. If the teeth on either side already have crowns or need it, even better.
Another type of dental bridge is the adhesive bridge. With recent improvements in dental technology, the dental cement used for bonding is stronger. This allows the dentist to bond the false tooth to existing natural teeth without removing part of their structure. This type of bridge, also called resin-retained bridges, is more conservative. However, they can only be used in certain conditions and are not practical for the back teeth.
The dentist will assess the patient’s situation, take scans, and then talk about the different options, as well as their benefits and drawbacks. With the proper information, patients can decide the best option for them.
The dentist will prepare the teeth (if necessary) before taking impressions that will be used to fabricate a custom dental bridge. The final step entails examining the final bridge to verify that the fit, build, bite, and aesthetics are according to specifications. Once the dental bridge is cemented, the dentist will provide instructions on maintenance.
When constructed properly, a dental bridge can survive several years of use. The type of bridge used typically determines the number of teeth that can be replaced at once by the bridge. The goal of treatment is to ensure that the final restoration has adequate support on the jaw to handle day-to-day dental functions. If you would like to find out more about this tooth replacement option, contact our dental office today to book an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.hudsonfamilydentalgj.com or call Hudson Family Dental at (970) 305-8727 for an appointment in our Grand Junction office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Bridges in Grand Junction, CO.
If you are seeking tooth replacement options, a dental bridge can often be the treatment suggested by a dentist. There are many benefits that come with using a dental bridge to replace one or more missing teeth. Replacing a lost tooth covers the gap left by the missing tooth to prevent the remaining teeth from…
If you have an extensively decayed tooth or the filling applied is too big for your tooth to support it, your dentist will probably recommend putting in a dental crown. This is a prosthesis designed to look like a natural tooth, but it is hollow inside to fit over the damaged tooth. In addition to…
Looking for a general dentist? General dentistry is one of the more popular dental niches operating today, as general dentists perform the necessary general dental services that patients need on a regular basis. This type of dental professional is one who can be compared to a general practitioner, as they are a patient's first contact…
Countless patients around the globe wear dentures, and they will face the need for denture repair at some point. There is no reason to fear needing any repair done on your dentures. When you first were fitted, your dentist went over the proper care and gave you tips and suggestions on how to keep them looking…
Countless patients around the globe wear dentures, and they will face the need for denture repair at some point. There is no reason to fear needing any repair done on your dentures. When you first were fitted, your dentist went over the proper care and gave you tips and suggestions on how to keep them looking…
Dental implants are titanium posts placed into the jawbone to serve as the roots of replacement teeth. They are often the most highly recommended teeth replacement solution due to the unique benefits that they provide over alternative solutions, such as removable dentures and fixed bridges.The three primary options that patients have after they lose one…