5 Things to Know Before Considering a Dental Bridge in Chester Springs
Does the gap in your mouth deter you from smiling and laughing as freely and confidently as you would like? Tooth loss is one of the most common dental issues in dentistry. Fortunately, you do not have to leave the remaining part of your life with the gap present. Instead, consider one of the tooth replacement restorations in dentistry, starting with dental bridges.
What Are Dental Bridges?
It is a dental restoration featuring a false tooth, called a pontic, and two dental crowns. The dental crowns support the pontic to create a bridgework that can replace the lost tooth. Ideally, the dental crowns get anchorage from the two adjacent teeth to the right and left of the missing one. This type of dental bridge is called a traditional bridge and is the most popular in restorative dentistry.
However, some types of dental bridges near you can feature one dental crown, getting support from only one of your adjacent teeth. Such a dental bridge is called a cantilever bridge. It is ideal for conservative patients who do not want to tamper with more than one adjacent tooth for the sake of replacing one tooth.
Another type of bridgework does not use dental crowns but rather relies on a porcelain or metal framework that bonds behind the adjacent teeth to support the pontic. This type is called a Maryland-bonded dental bridge. It serves as the best alternative to a traditional tooth bridge, particularly for restoring the front teeth.
How Do Dental Bridges Replace Teeth?
A tooth bridge can replace between one to three missing teeth in a row. Typically, your dentist in Chester Springs, PA, will use a bridgework to replace a single missing tooth. However, you can have up to three artificial teeth consecutively to replace multiple lost ones. The only prerequisite for dental bridge procedures is healthy adjacent teeth. If not, you will first need to visit us at Dentist of Chester Springs to plan out your implantation surgery for dental implants.
How Much Does a Dental Bridge Cost?
The cost of your bridgework treatment will depend on the number of teeth you are replacing and the type of tooth bridge you choose. The estimated cost of dental bridges should range between $1,500 – $5,000. The cost heightens if you need dental implants to support your bridgework.
Crucial Facts You Should Know Before Getting Dental Bridges
Before undergoing any dental procedure, you must prepare well. Some things you should know about dental bridges beforehand are:
- Bridges are not a permanent solution for tooth loss – even though they are durable, your dental bridge will not last forever. You will need retreatment after about 15-20 years. The good news is that the better you care for your teeth after dental bridges, the longer they will last.
- They are not reversible – dental bridges that feature dental crowns permanently impact your smile. The reason is that a dentist must shave off part of your adjacent teeth’ enamels to create room for the dental crown. Therefore, if you want to remove the dental bridges, get dental crowns for the adjacent teeth.
- Bridges are not tamper-proof – poor oral habits and dental trauma can damage your bridgework. The adhesive bond between the dental bridge and your natural tooth is susceptible to damage if it loosens. Therefore, be aware that the dental bridge can break, chip, or fall off. If it happens to you, seek emergency dentistry immediately.
- They do not prevent gum and bone loss – although dental bridges replace your teeth and reframe your facial appearance, they do not protect your gums and jawbone. The reason is that they only replace the top parts of your tooth. If you want to protect your gum and jawbone from tissue degeneration, you need dental implants.
- Dental hygiene is paramount after treatment – just because they are false teeth does not mean your dental bridges do not need cleaning. You must treat your artificial teeth the same way you do your natural teeth if you want to keep your oral health intact in the long term. You may need to change the products you have been using to get new ones favorable to the porcelain material of the dental bridge.