Why Do I Need a Bridge?

By Cecily Sanchez, Receptionist

Michael King DDS (Mira Dental Care)

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Why Do I Need a Bridge?

A bridge is a dental restoration that fills the space where one or more teeth are missing. The bridge restores your bite and helps keep the natural shape of your face. Before you get a bridge, you should know more about the steps involved, and your dentist can advise you on which type of bridge is best for you.

Teeth work together. When you lose a tooth, the nearby teeth may tilt or drift into the empty space. The teeth in the opposite jaw may also shift up or down toward the space. This can affect your bite and place unusual stress on your teeth and jaw joints. Teeth that have tipped or drifted are often hard to clean, as well, creating greater risk for tooth decay and gum disease. When a tooth is missing, the bone around it may shrink. This can change the way the jawbone supports the lips and cheeks. Over time, this can cause the face to sag and can make you look older.

Placing a bridge usually requires more than one dental visit. On your first visit, your dentist prepares the teeth on either side of the gap to secure the bridge. Your dentist then takes an impression to a dental laboratory, where technicians will make the bridge. Your dentist will place a temporary bridge while you are waiting for the permanent one.

A bridge has three parts, a pontic (replacement tooth) in the middle and a crown (“cap” that covers the tooth) on either side. The crowns fit over the prepared teeth next to the gap. The pontic fills the space left by the missing tooth. The bridge is then fixed to the prepared teeth. The bridge is permanent and cannot be taken out of your mouth without a dentist's help. At the follow-up visit, the bridge is fitted, adjusted, and cemented in place.

Some patients choose to have dental implants placed to support a bridge. Dental implants are posts that are surgically placed below the gums and work the same way as a natural tooth. The implants fuse to the jawbone to act as a base for the bridge. Dental implants are more common when a patient has several missing teeth. Because surgery is required, candidates for dental implants should have good general health and enough bone to support the implant. For some patients, implants help preserve the bone where teeth have been lost.

Bridges are made from metal, ceramics, or a combination. Ceramics are often bonded to metal alloy. The dentist considers the appearance and functions of the bridge and can recommend the materials that are best for you.

A bridge can lose its support if the surrounding teeth or jawbone holding the bridge are damaged by dental disease. Follow these tips for a good oral health Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth to remove plaque, a sticky film of bacteria. Clean between your teeth and under the bridge. See your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings. Eat a balanced diet for overall health.