Do I Need a Dental Bridge?

Missing a tooth can really seem like a big deal. Whether it’s affecting the way you chew, your speech, or you simply don’t like how you look, it’s something you want to address quickly. Thankfully, there are effective solutions to restore your missing tooth, and one popular option is a dental bridge.

But how do you know if this option is right for you?

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a type of fixed dental “prosthetic” that is often used to replace one or more missing teeth. True to its name, a bridge works by “bridging” the gap resulting from a missing tooth (or teeth). The device typically consists of two basic parts.

• Pontics (replacement teeth): These are the false teeth that fill the gap and are designed to look and function like natural teeth.
• Abutments: The healthy teeth or dental implants to the sides of the gap that support the bridge and keep it in place.

Dental bridges are custom-designed to fit and blend in with your other teeth for both functionality and a natural appearance. There are a few different types of dental bridges, including bridges with only one abutment tooth and implant-supported bridges that use dental implants instead of crowns to support the bridge.

When Might You Need a Dental Bridge?

There are several situations where a dental bridge is a beneficial treatment option. Generally, bridges are recommended when a permanent tooth is missing and you want to fill the gap to maintain oral health and function.

Replacing a Missing Tooth

If you’ve lost a tooth due to injury, decay, or gum disease, a dental bridge can restore the gap and prevent future problems. Because missing teeth can lead to difficulty chewing or biting properly, speech issues from changes in how your tongue interacts with your teeth, and tooth shifting, where neighboring teeth start to tilt or move into the gap, we want to replace a missing tooth as soon as possible.

Extremely Damaged Tooth

If you have not yet lost a tooth but it is extensively damaged due to decay, injury, or excessive dental work, your dentist may recommend tooth extraction over a crown. While we typically try to save a natural tooth if at all possible, sometimes damage can be so significant that removal is the better option.

More than One Missing Tooth

Crowns can be a great option if you are missing more than one tooth in a row. A crown can attach to the healthy adjacent teeth and span over the space for several absent teeth. A bridge can typically be used to replace up to three teeth, but in some circumstances, it can replace up to four.

It is Preferable to the Alternatives

Other ways to replace a missing tooth are a dental implant or, in the case of multiple missing teeth, a full or partial denture.

While implants are an excellent option for many patients, some people are not good candidates, and others may not be able to make the investment. In these cases, bridges are usually a great option.

Similarly, dentures are a common option for managing tooth loss. However, they may not be the right option if you still have several healthy, natural teeth.

When a Dental Bridge May Not Be Necessary

While dental bridges are a great solution for many, they aren’t the right fit for everyone. Here are situations where alternative solutions might be better:

Minor Dental Issues

If you have concerns like a cavity or minor trauma to a single tooth, a dental bridge is not the appropriate treatment. Minor decay or damage is usually resolved with a filling, and more significant issues can be treated with a crown.

Unhealthy Adjacent Teeth

Dental bridges rely on neighboring teeth for support. If these teeth are already weak or have structural problems, they might not be able to handle the additional strain, making a bridge unsuitable. We can discuss other options.

You Want a More Permanent Solutions

A dental implant might be a better option if you’re looking for a more permanent solution. Implants do not depend on other teeth for support and actively help maintain jawbone health.

Talk to Your Dentist

If you’re missing a tooth (or teeth) or you’re considering replacement options, a consultation with an experienced restorative dentist is the first step. That’s where we come in!

If you have questions about dental bridges or want to explore your treatment options, contact our office today!