Bridges
At your first appointment at Viva Dental Victoria, we will anesthetize the teeth being treated, remove the old fillings if present and then prepare the teeth conservatively (1.5 to 2mm to be exact!) to create room for the porcelain crown. After carefully shaping the teeth, a 3D scan or impression of the teeth will be taken. This impression allows the lab ceramist to create a bridge that looks and feels like your natural tooth.
You may be a good candidate for a bridge if:
- You lost a tooth and both teeth on each side already have or need crowns
- There is insufficient bone present for an implant
- You have a complicated medical history or difficulty healing
- You have a bony defect where a bridge would be more aesthetic
The
advantages of bridges over implants include:
- May be a better choice where there is insufficient bone present for an implant
- Can be a better choice in patients with medical issues that preclude implants
- Can be more aesthetic where there is bone loss where the tooth was
- May be more economical
- May be appropriate if adjacent teeth require crowns anyway
Some disadvantages of bridges over implants include:
- Bridges involve trimming down the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth
- Research shows that a bridge lasts between 10 – 20 years while a dental implant can last a lifetime (although the crown on the implant may have to be replaced)
- May be problems with food impaction under bridges
The longevity of any type of restoration depends on many factors including diet, oral hygiene practices, clenching and grinding, position of the restoration in the mouth, and general oral health and lifestyle.
What to expect when you get a bridge
The procedures involved when preparing and placing a bridge are essentially the same as that of a crown, except that it takes a little longer as you are treating two teeth.
At your first appointment at Viva Dental Victoria, we will anesthetize the teeth being treated, remove the old fillings if present and then prepare the teeth conservatively (1.5 to 2mm to be exact!) to create room for the porcelain crown. After carefully shaping the teeth, a 3D scan or impression of the teeth will be taken. This impression allows the lab ceramist to create a bridge that looks and feels like your natural tooth.
A temporary bridge is created, polished and cemented. You will wear a temporary bridge for about two weeks. During this time, you will want to be gentle with the teeth avoiding sticky and hard foods. If the temporary bridge breaks or dislodges, try to replace it as fast as possible, and call us for an appointment to re-cement or replace it. The purpose of a temporary bridge is to protect the tooth, to keep the gums from rolling over the prepared margins of the tooth and to hold the other teeth around it in place.
At your second visit, you may be anesthetized again and the temporary bridge will be removed and the final porcelain bridge will be placed for appearance and fit. The bridge will be adhered with adhesive cement, excess cement will be removed, and the bite will be assessed to ensure a comfortable fit.
Bridges may be sensitive to cold or biting for a few days but this is usually a temporary condition. Be sure to call us if you have ongoing sensitivity or if the bite feels “off”.