Dental Bridges

What is a dental bridge?

Dental bridges, also known as fixed dental prostheses, literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. The two teeth on either side of the gap that support the bridge are called abutment teeth. The false tooth spanning the gap is called a pontic tooth. The result is natural-looking teeth.

If you have recently lost your tooth, you may be wondering what your options are to restore your smile. A missing tooth can create an unsightly gap, but it’s often more than a cosmetic problem. You could also experience pain when chewing, discomfort in your jaw, or other problems that are caused by a change in your bite.

One of the most common solutions to this problem is having a dental bridge placed in your mouth.

Dental bridge treatment is provided by Dr. Aksana Tkachenko at Chroma Dental in Toronto for patients looking to restore missing teeth.

Your options for replacing missing teeth

• Depending on the situation, you may be recommended to any of the following options:
• Dental implants
• Dental bridge
• Removable denture
• No treatment

Benefits of a Dental Bridge

• While the most obvious benefit of a dental bridge is that it will restore the look and feel of your smile, it can also help improve both your chewing and speaking capabilities, as well as prevent your teeth from shifting out of place. Additionally, dental bridge coverage can also help protect existing teeth that have been weakened or damaged from large fillings, root canals, or accidental chips and fractures. Compared to Dental Implants, bridges are a considerably less invasive procedure, as well as being much more cost-effective. The best part is that bridge treatments can be done fast, started and finished in less than 3 weeks so that you can get your smile back to normal as soon as possible!
• Improved smile
• You want to properly chew and speak
• Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position
• Protect teeth if they already are weakened by root canal treatment, have large fillings, or are already cracked and chipped and can benefit from dental bridge coverage
• Great alternative to dental implants if you do not have enough bone, or have a compromising medical condition
• Non-surgical alternative to dental implants.
• Cost-effective
• Remains fixed in the mouth, unlike dentures
• Fast treatment. Can be started and finished in under 3 weeks.

Types of Dental Bridges

• Traditional bridges involve creating a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the missing tooth, with a pontic in between. Traditional bridges are the most common type of bridge and are made of either porcelain fused to metal or ceramics.
• Cantilever bridges are used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth. This is not very common anymore and is not recommended in the back of the mouth where it can put too much force on other teeth and damage them.
• Maryland bonded bridges (also called a resin-bonded bridge or a Maryland bridge) are made of porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or plastic teeth and gums supported by a metal or porcelain framework. Metal or porcelain wings often on just one side of the bridge are bonded to your existing teeth.

The procedure of making a dental bridge explained

In the first appointment, Dr. Aksana Tkachenko will shave down the abutment teeth to make space for the bridge. Local anesthetic (freezing) will always be given prior to preparing the teeth. Afterwards, she will take an impression of the bridge so that the dental lab can make it. Meanwhile, a temporary bridge will be placed over your teeth.

During the second appointment, the temporary bridge is removed, the teeth are cleaned of any residual temporary cement, and the permanent bridge is cemented into place. Dr. Aksana Tkachenko will typically use a resin-modified glass ionomer cement that releases fluoride and reduce the risk of future cavities forming under the abutment teeth.

In between visits, it is important to take care of the temporary bridge until you receive the final bridge. Temporary bridges are not very strong, so avoid chewing hard or crunchy foods on them. The temporary cement is also weak, so also avoid sticky foods that may lift off the bridge, and when you floss down between the contacts, remove the floss by pulling out through the side rather than pulling back up to avoid accidentally lifting off the temporary bridge.

A third visit with Dr. Aksana Tkachenko may be needed if changes are required to improve the look or fit of the bridge.

How much do dental bridges cost?

Typically, a dental bridge can cost $500 per artificial tooth to $1200 per tooth. The cost will depend on how many teeth are being replaced and how many abutment teeth are involved. Your insurance provider may provide you with some coverage. Dr. Aksana Tkachenko and her team at Chroma Dental will help you determine your level of coverage.

FAQ

How do I clean under my dental bridge?

When a patient chooses dental bridges, they must take extra care to clean the bridge properly and regularly. Neglecting to do so can result in cavity formation under the abutment crowns or gum disease, which may result in the loss of the bridge or the abutment teeth. The most difficult area is under the pontic. Begin by passing floss under the pontic with either floss threaders or superfloss. Wrap the floss around the real tooth. Slide it up and down to clean the tooth surface of any plaque or food trapping. Then slide the floss onto the next tooth and repeat the process. Water flossers may also be helpful; these are like power washers for your teeth, shooting a fine jet of water at the targeted area to help remove plaque.

Is it painful to get dental bridges?

Most people find dental bridge procedures very tolerable. Local anaesthesia is always used to numb the area before the abutment teeth are prepared. Any post-operative discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or Tylenol.

How long do dental bridges last?

Dental bridges can last five to fifteen years and even longer. With good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, bridges can last you a lifetime.