There are several options when working with missing teeth:
A bridge is a prosthesis (replacement part) that relies on support from healthy teeth surrounding the gap left by a missing tooth or teeth. The artificial replacement tooth is called a “pontic” after the French “pont” for bridge. The healthy adjacent teeth, called abutments, provide support on either side.
In order for the abutment teeth to provide this crucial support, they must be surrounded by either healthy teeth or teeth that have been crowned for additional support. If the process involves crowning a tooth for reinforcement, it is the same as if these teeth needed crowns for any other reason. First, the abutment teeth are “prepared” by removing their enamel thereby creating enough space for the crown to fit over and completely cover them . The crowns on the abutment teeth will be attached to the pontic thereby providing stability and reinforcement.
If you have one missing tooth, your bridgework will require three crowns. Two of those crowns will cover abutment teeth on either side of the gap left by the missing tooth. These two crowned abutment teeth will then become supports for a third crown placed in between them, filling in the empty space. This arrangement is known as a three-unit bridge.
If you have more than one tooth missing, several variable will be taken into account to determine the best course of treatment: the number of missing teeth, the size and length of the abutment tooth roots, the amount of bone support each abutment tooth has, as well as where in the mouth the teeth were lost.
At your first visit, we will prepare your abutment teeth as described above, using the method of anesthesia that best fits with your comfort level. Because three-dimensional models of your teeth are needed to construct the crowns, we will then take a mold of your prepared teeth and send the 3D models of your teeth to our dental laboratory technicians who will make your crowns. You will leave our office with a temporary bridge while awaiting the completion of your permanent bridge.
When ready, we will cement your permanent bridge into place. It will take some time to become accustomed to the feel of the new bridge against your tongue, lips, and cheeks, and accept it as your own teeth.
Please remember that your crowned teeth require the same conscientious care as all your other teeth. Be sure to brush and floss every day to reduce the build-up of dental plaque. When you have a bridge, it is even more important to maintain your regular schedule of cleanings here at the dental office. It is not unusual for a well-cared for bridge to last for a long time.