Who Makes a Good Candidate for Dental Bridges?

Dental Bridges San Dimas, CA

Dental bridgess are a method of permanently replacing missing teeth. Like other restoration options, they have both advantages and disadvantages. They are a common and fairly popular option.

Whether you are a candidate for bridges or not depends on your individual circumstances. Your dentist can tell you for sure whether a bridge is an option for you, but if there are contraindications that make you ineligible, you may be able to determine this before discussing the matter with your dentist.

What are dental bridges?

A bridge is a dental prosthesis used to replace one or multiple missing teeth. It anchors to one or two healthy teeth on either side of the gap to hold it in place so you can bite and chew as normal.

There are several different materials from which a dental bridge can be made. Metal bridges are stronger but do not match the appearance of the other teeth. They are usually placed in the back of the mouth where most of the chewing takes place and where the teeth are less visible. There are also dental bridges made of tooth-colored materials such as porcelain. Bridges made of these materials are likely to be used to replace one or more front teeth.

There are several different types of dental bridges available. The most common is the traditional fixed bridge, which can be placed almost anywhere in the mouth. Two abutment teeth on either side of the gap are prepared and fitted with crowns to hold the prosthetic, also known as the pontic, in place.

A Maryland dental bridge is an alternative that attaches to the back of the abutment teeth by metal wings that are bonded in place. It is not as strong as a traditional fixed bridge but it does not require alteration of the abutment teeth. Therefore, it may be an appropriate treatment for the front of the mouth. Another type is a cantilever bridge that is supported by only one abutment tooth, which may be necessary if the gap only has teeth to one side of it.

What makes you eligible for a dental bridge?

Dental bridges are not appropriate for every patient. Here are some factors that may affect your eligibility one way or the other.

Missing teeth

It may seem obvious to say that you have to be missing some teeth to take advantage of a tooth replacement option such as a dental bridge. A bridge can replace as few as one tooth and as many as four.

However, it is not enough that the teeth be missing. You have to be missing teeth all in a row so that the bridge can fill in the entire gap. If you are missing multiple teeth in different parts of your mouth, you either are not a candidate for bridges or may need more than one.

Good oral health

To be a good candidate for a dental bridge, your oral health needs to be good apart from the missing teeth. That means no tooth decay, no gum disease, and no other dental issues that need to be addressed before the bridgework can be done.

Good overall health

In addition to good oral health, you also need to be in good health generally to be a candidate for a dental bridge. Infections or severe underlying medical conditions could affect your eligibility by increasing the risk of complications from the procedure.

Strong, healthy abutment teeth

To be eligible for a bridge, the teeth on either side of the gap have to be strong enough to serve as abutments. Otherwise, the pressure of chewing could damage the abutment teeth, which could result in the failure of the entire bridge. To prevent this from happening, the abutment teeth have to be strong, healthy, and intact prior to the procedure to place the bridge. If they are not, a bridge might not be a treatment option for you.

Diligent oral hygiene

Receiving a bridge does not excuse you from oral hygiene. In fact, it becomes even more important when you have a bridge. To prevent the bridge from failing, you have to protect the abutment teeth from decay. In addition to daily brushing and flossing, this also means cleaning underneath the bridge in the gap between the pontic and the gum. Your dentist may be able to provide special cleaning tools for this task, or you may be able to purchase them from a drugstore.

Conclusion

Dental bridges are popular with patients for replacing missing teeth. However, certain circumstances may prevent you from being a candidate for the treatment. If that is the case, there may be other options available.

Request an appointment here: https://sandimassedation.com or call San Dimas Family and Sedation Dentistry at 9097408294 for an appointment in our San Dimas office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Bridges in San Dimas, CA.

Recent Posts

What Is A Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a popular option for restoring a missing tooth or consecutive missing teeth. This treatment can help bring back your appearance and dental function. It can also relieve dental pain and loosening. Knowing more about this dental appliance can help you prepare for your next appointment. Here are the details that you…

Can A Dental Crown Save Your Tooth?

A dental crown is often the best option to repair the affected area when a patient is dealing with severe tooth damage or decay. Dental crowns can also protect weak or brittle teeth, improve the patient's appearance, and correct many other dental issues. For many people, this type of treatment helps to both restore and…

When Is Getting A Dental Crown Necessary?

A dental crown can be used to treat a number of oral issues. Commonly known as caps, crowns are used to cover up damaged teeth completely, instantly restoring their look and function. The cosmetic and restorative properties of crowns are what makes them so popular with dentists. Nothing extends the life of a damaged tooth…

How To Take Care Of Crowns After Crown Placement On Implants

You have undergone a crown placement procedure, and you want your new restoration to last. Dental crowns typically last for 5-15 years, but you can increase the odds of keeping your restoration longer by caring for it properly. Caring for a crown is not difficult, and once you get into a routine, it will become…

Recent Posts

How Bone Grafts Are Important For Dental Implants

How Bone Grafts Are Important For Dental Implants

For many people, dental implants can be a permanent solution for dealing with lost or damaged teeth. This type of treatment is designed to last a lifetime. Once it is complete and healed, patients can enjoy a more beautiful smile without having to worry about any dietary changes, difficult home care, or unnatural-looking teeth.Dental implants…

Should You Get Dental Implants?

Should You Get Dental Implants?

Losing a tooth can be uncomfortable in many ways, and dental implants might be the solution you are looking for. When you are missing a tooth, you may not like the look of your mouth, and you may have difficulty chewing. Dentures and bridges are options for you, but if you want a permanent answer,…