Bridge Q & A
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a tooth root replacement option that doesn’t require surgery, unlike dental implants. To create your bridge, the BMW Dental team prepares the two teeth surrounding your missing tooth for dental crowns.
These anchoring teeth, called abutments, support your new false tooth, or pontic, which rests in the middle of them.
Are there different types of bridges?
You have three dental bridge options from which to choose:
Traditional bridge
The most common type of bridge, a traditional bridge requires you to have a healthy tooth on each side of your missing tooth. These two teeth are then fitted for dental crowns to provide support for your new false tooth.
Maryland bridge
A Maryland bridge is considered to be a conservative alternative to traditional bridges. This type of bridge rests on porcelain or metal framework, so your dentist does not have to prepare any of your existing teeth for dental crowns.
Cantilever bridge
A cantilever bridge is typically recommended if you only have a healthy abutment tooth on one side of your missing tooth. Because a cantilever bridge only has support from one tooth, they are only used when a traditional bridge isn’t possible.
How are dental bridges placed?
The first step in the dental bridge process is preparing your abutment teeth for your new dental crowns.
The BMW Dental team reduces the size of these anchoring teeth to make room for your crowns, so they look as natural as possible. Next, they take impressions of your mouth to serve as accurate models for the crowns and false teeth.
It takes about two weeks to create a custom-made bridge, so the team fits you for a temporary crown at the end of your first appointment. A temporary bridge isn’t as durable as the permanent restoration, so try to avoid sticky, hard foods as often as possible.
At your final visit, the team removes your temporary restoration and places your permanent dental bridge. After making any necessary alterations, they cement the bridge securely in place, so it looks and functions just like the rest of your teeth.
Even a single missing tooth can impact your oral health. To learn more about how a dental bridge may restore your smile, call BMW Dental, or book an appointment online.