A missing tooth may have a substantial influence on your smile's beauty and general health. In order to find a solution for missing teeth, it's essential that you know all of your treatment alternatives. Finding the right therapy for you will be easier if you have a clear awareness of your treatment choices. If you need to repair one or more missing teeth, you must know about “what is a dental bridge” and “what is a dental bridge look like” along with several other factors.
What is a Dental Bridge?
Bridges are regularly used dental devices that include one or more prosthetic teeth composed of resin or porcelain that are used to replace lost teeth. When a bridge is used to attach a denture to natural teeth, it's referred to as a filler, fake teeth, or a partial denture. Two or more teeth may be covered by the crown in order to adequately attach the bridge and retain the artificial teeth in place. Implanting teeth on each side of the bridge may be necessary if natural teeth are unavailable.
Types of Dental Bridges
The following are the two types of dental bridges:
Fixed Bridge
A fixed bridge is anchored to an adjacent natural tooth or teeth. Only a dentist can remove a fixed bridge since it is firmly anchored in place with dental cement. Stable and comparable to real teeth, it gives a natural feeling.
When a tooth is lost, a pontic (artificial tooth) is used to replace it. In order to keep the pontic in place, it is held in place by one or more crowns that are attached to the teeth on each side.
A bridge requires several dentist appointments to be completed. One or more teeth might be prepped to support the bridge, depending on your requirements.
- Your dentist will prepare the teeth on each side of the gap during your first appointment. These teeth will serve as anchors for the bridge. The natural appearance and form of these teeth will be permanently altered throughout the process of preparing them for the bridge.
- Afterward, your dentist will take a mold of your teeth and the surrounding area. Dental lab workers follow your dentist's instructions and construct the bridge based on the information.
- Your prepared teeth will be protected by a temporary bridge while you wait for the permanent one to be placed by your dentist.
- Your dentist will fit, adjust, and cement the permanent bridge to the prepared teeth once it is complete. Keep in mind that only a dentist can take the bridge out of your mouth.
Implant-supported Bridge
It is the one that is attached to metal posts that are surgically inserted into your jawbone. The posts function similarly to the roots of genuine teeth. The bridge is attached to these metal posts and consists of substitute teeth fixed on a tooth-colored base. An important advantage of implant-supported bridges is that they do not require support from the surrounding teeth.
The implant-supported bridge needs surgery to insert the post into the bone. Dental implant candidates should be in excellent overall health and have adequate bone to sustain an implant.
Implants may be deployed in a single visit or over many visits, depending on the availability of bone in order to support the implant, the presence of a prior infection, and your dentist's recommendation.
What to expect during the Procedure?
Your dentist will start preparing the abutment or anchor teeth after establishing that a dental bridge is a suitable way to replace your lost teeth. This preliminary treatment is normally administered under a local anesthetic and is not considered uncomfortable.
The bridge will be installed on your second visit. The new bridge might feel bulky after installation; however, this would lessen as you grow acclimated to the new prosthesis. A third and last follow-up visit will enable your dentist to inspect the bridge and perform any necessary changes to alleviate any discomfort or suffering.
Cleaning and Care
Dental bridges aren't all that different from natural teeth when it comes to maintenance. The American Dental Association suggests cleaning your teeth twice a day for two minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Aside from preventing gum disease and tooth decay, flossing frequently is a good idea. In addition to sliding the floss between the base of the bridge and the gum tissue, you must also floss around your natural teeth. Plaque and dirt on the underside of a bridge may be removed most effectively by flossing once a day. However, patients with dental appliances may prefer the ease of Waterpiks over flossing.
Associated Costs
In terms of tooth replacement, dental bridges are quite economical and are more easily covered by dental insurance. Dental bridges typically cost between $500 and $1,200 per tooth, but dental implants typically cost between $1,000 and $3,000 per tooth on average. Your dentist will be able to assist you in finding the most cost-effective treatment option.
Dental Bridges are not a Permanent Solution
A high-quality dental bridge may survive for decades if it is properly cared for. Chewing gum and eating hard items like nuts, ice, and hard sweets might cause harm if consumed in excess. An investment in a pleasant, clean, and long-lasting smile may be preserved with frequent dental appointments and good oral hygiene. In spite of its durability, a dental bridge isn't thought of as an everlasting solution for tooth loss.
The Bottom Line
Since you now know in detail “what is dental bridge” you must be aware that a dental bridge isn’t a permanent solution. Dental implants may be a viable choice if you are looking for a long-term solution to restoring lost teeth. A major benefit of dental implants is that the surrounding teeth are not put under the same stress as they would be if they weren't replaced with implants. For the most part, dental implants may last a lifetime provided they are of excellent quality.