When Do We Need Dental Bridge Treatment?

Dental bridge is a fixed dental prosthesis that helps in replacement and/or restoration of teeth by artificial substitutes that are not readily removed from the mouth. 

Dental Bridge treatment can be tooth supported, implant supported or a combination of both. For tooth supported implants either one or two adjacent teeth are used to give the support, these teeth are called abutments. Crowns that are cemented onto the abutments and retain the bridge in place are called retainers and the artificial replacement tooth is called a pontic. 

In this procedure, the surrounding teeth are prepared for the crown to be placed properly over it. Sometimes, RCT is performed on abutment teeth before placing the bridge. A temporary bridge is placed till the time the permanent bridge is prepared. Similarly, an implant supported bridge will have implants on either side of the empty gap. In this procedure after the implants are placed, two to three months are given for osseointegration to take place. This is followed by a few weeks of temporary bridge followed by a permanent bridge.

A dental bridge treatment can be required for multiple reasons like:

1. One or more missing teeth.
2. To harmonize dental occlusion (maintain proper chewing biting or speaking skills).
3. Protect weak teeth from fracturing.
4. Restore a fractured tooth.
5. Cover a dental implant.
6. Cover a discolored or poorly shaped teeth (aesthetic purposes).
   

Cost of a tooth bridge depends upon a lot of factors like number of teeth, implants and pontics involved along with the type of material used for making the bridge. In terms of materials, patients get a large variety of options to choose from, some of the commonly used materials are Zirconia, Porcelain Fused to Metal Crown (PFM), Porcelain, E-max, etc. For anterior teeth, Zirconia and Porcelain are the most popular type of crowns used nowadays. 

Porcelain or ceramic crowns provide you with the best and most natural looking smile. Porcelain fused to Metal bridges are used more commonly for posterior teeth as they provide both strength and aesthetics.‍

How to take proper care for your Dental Bridge:‍

While bridges can last a lifetime, they do sometimes come loose or fall out. The most important step you can take to ensure the longevity of your bridge is to practice good oral hygiene:

1. Brush and floss two to three times a day, taking extra care to floss around your crown.
2. Avoid sticky food such as toffee and lollies, and do not use your teeth inappropriately – chewing pens, crunching ice, gnawing fingernails, etc.
3. See your dentist or hygienist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings.

How long does a Dental Bridge last?

Life of your Bridge depends on the effectiveness and regularity of your dental hygiene. As a general rule, they last between 7-15 years but longer periods are certainly possible with outstanding oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.

We at The Dental Roots, are a multi specialty dental clinic offering a wide variety of crowns and bridges. Dr. Dheeraj Setia is one of the top dentists in Indial; and has over 15 years of experience, he along with a team of highly qualified dentists work together to provide the highest level of dental treatment in a trusted and compassionate environment. We welcome you to receive the individual attention you rightfully deserve.