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Do You Need A Dental Bridge?
Many people find that when they lose a tooth, it leaves a gap that they aren’t happy with. This gap may also cause pain when eating, discomfort within the jaw and other issues associated with your bite. So, if you have recently lost a tooth, you may be wondering what options there are available to restore your smile?
The most common solution to replace your missing teeth is for a dentist to place a dental bridge in your mouth.
What Is A Dental Bridge?
A Dental Bridge is a false tooth that is designed to ‘bridge’ the gap created by one or more missing teeth between two natural teeth.
There are four different kinds of dental bridges that a dentist can offer to a patient. After determining the best option for the patient, we will suggest a course of treatment, with the traditional bridge being the most common type.
- Traditional Dental Bridge
This type of dental bridge consists of one or more false teeth that are held in place by dental crowns on teeth adjacent to the gap. These crowns are cemented onto teeth, ensuring a solid base for the bridge and making sure there is no movement creating a stable bite.
The downside to this type of dental bridge is that the enamel from the adjacent teeth needs to be removed to allow for the crowns to be fitted. Enamel does not grow back, meaning that these teeth will always need to be protected with crowns, regardless of whether you still have the dental bridge or not.
- Cantilever Dental Bridge
Similar to the traditional dental bridge, however this type of dental bridge is only supported by one tooth adjacent to the gap created by missing teeth.
These, like the traditional dental bridges, require the enamel to be prepared, leaving the tooth with the need to be constantly protected.
- Maryland Dental Bridges
The false tooth is held in place by a metal or porcelain framework, which is bonded to the back of the two teeth adjacent to the gap created by the missing teeth. With this type of dental bridge, these teeth do not need filing down to remove enamel.
However, the strength of the dental bridge is only determined by the strength of the resin used and the framework may get in the way of the gums or cause issues when biting.
- Implant-Supported Dental Bridges
These dental bridges are not supported by crowns or framework within the mouth, but by implants placed into the jaw, usually with one implant per missing tooth. The dental bridge may consist of a false tooth suspended between two implant-supported crowns if one implant per missing tooth is not possible.
The result is a comfortable, secure and natural feeling dental bridge, that is created with only two surgeries. One to place the implant and another to fix the bridge, which can take about 5 months to complete treatment.
What Do Dental Bridge Treatments Involve?
Once we have decided that a dental bridge is the best treatment option going forward, we will first take imprints and measurements to ensure that we can make an accurate and comfortably fitting dental bridge. We may place temporary crowns on to the teeth if we are needed.
During the appointment, to prepare the teeth and fit the dental bridge, the dentist will numb the area first with a numbing gel, then with anaesthetic injections. Whilst this procedure is being carried out you will need to keep your mouth open for an extended period of time, so may feel discomfort or soreness in the jaw afterwards. This can be remedied using over-the-counter pain medication and an ice pack at home.
There is little to no recovery time, as most people don’t feel discomfort once the bridges have been fitted. However, should you feel any pain or discomfort then be sure to contact us!
Benefits Of A Dental Bridge
There are lots of benefits to having a dental bridge fitted with Shifnal Dental Care:
- Appealing cosmetic result
- Eliminates excess space within the mouth
- Prevents teeth moving out of place
- Fixes issues with eating, such as; biting and chewing properly
- Prevents any potential speech issues, such as; lisping
- Creates a uniform, beautiful smile
At Shifnal Dental Care, we take pride in the beautiful smiles we create, with our patients in mind, we provide high-quality treatments and expertly trained professionals.
If you would like some advice or would like to book an appointment, please contact Shifnal Dental Care on 01952 460119 or fill out our enquiry form. Our treatment coordinator Katherine would be happy to speak to with you.
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