A tooth bridge, also known as a dental bridge, is a fixed dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. It works by placing an artificial tooth in the gap and supporting it with the teeth or implants next to the missing tooth.
Unlike a removable denture, a dental bridge is fixed in the mouth. Once it has been fitted, the patient does not take it out each day. It is designed to look, feel and function like natural teeth.
A dental bridge is made up of two main parts. The first part is the artificial tooth, which fills the gap left by the missing tooth. This is called a pontic. The second part is the support system, which holds the bridge in place. These supporting teeth or implants are called abutments.
A traditional bridge is usually supported by natural teeth on either side of the gap. These teeth are prepared so that crowns can be fitted over them. The artificial tooth is attached to the crowns, creating one solid restoration.
The process usually starts with a dental examination. The dentist checks the gap, the condition of the surrounding teeth, the bite, the gums and the overall health of the mouth. X-rays may be taken to check the roots and bone around the teeth.
If the supporting teeth are strong enough, the dentist will prepare them for the bridge. This usually involves reshaping the teeth on either side of the gap so crowns can fit over them. The amount of tooth preparation depends on the type of bridge being used.
After the teeth are prepared, the dentist takes an impression or digital scan. This is used to make a bridge that fits the patient’s mouth accurately. The dentist will also choose a shade so the bridge matches the surrounding teeth as closely as possible.
A temporary bridge may be fitted while the final bridge is being made. This protects the prepared teeth, helps with appearance and allows the patient to chew more comfortably between appointments.
At the fitting appointment, the temporary bridge is removed. The dentist checks the final bridge for fit, comfort, bite and appearance. If everything is correct, the bridge is cemented or bonded into place.
A dental bridge can be attached in different ways, depending on the type of bridge.
With a traditional dental bridge, the teeth on either side of the gap are shaped and covered with crowns. These crowns act as anchors. The false tooth is joined to the crowns, so when the crowns are cemented onto the supporting teeth, the artificial tooth is held securely in the gap.
With an adhesive bridge, also called a resin-bonded or Maryland bridge, the false tooth is attached to a small metal or porcelain wing. This wing is bonded to the back of a neighbouring tooth. This type of bridge usually requires little or no drilling, but it is not suitable for every case.
With an implant-supported bridge, the bridge is attached to dental implants instead of natural teeth. The implants act like artificial tooth roots and support the bridge from underneath.
The right attachment method depends on the number of missing teeth, the strength of the surrounding teeth, the bite, the position of the gap and the patient’s overall dental health.
A dental bridge does not always require root canal treatment. If the supporting teeth are healthy and the nerves inside them are not infected or damaged, a root canal may not be needed.
However, root canal treatment may be required if one of the supporting teeth has deep decay, infection, nerve damage or a large existing filling close to the nerve. In these cases, the dentist may need to treat the tooth before using it to support the bridge.
Sometimes a tooth that supports a bridge may need root canal treatment later. This can happen if the nerve becomes irritated or damaged after the tooth has been prepared for the bridge. This is one reason why the dentist carefully checks the supporting teeth before recommending treatment.
Root canal treatment is not part of every bridge procedure. It is only needed when the tooth itself requires it.
There are several types of dental bridges. The most suitable option depends on the patient’s mouth and the location of the missing tooth.
This is the most common type of bridge. It uses crowns on the teeth either side of the gap. These crowns support the false tooth in the middle.
An adhesive bridge is bonded to the back of a neighbouring tooth. It is often used for front teeth and usually involves less preparation of the natural tooth.
A cantilever bridge is supported by a tooth on only one side of the gap. It is used less often because it can place more pressure on the supporting tooth.
An implant-supported bridge is held by dental implants rather than natural teeth. This can be useful when several teeth are missing or when the neighbouring teeth are not suitable to support a bridge.
A dental bridge usually takes at least two appointments. The first appointment is used to prepare the teeth, take impressions or scans and fit a temporary bridge if needed.
The second appointment is used to fit the final bridge. The dentist checks that it feels comfortable, looks natural and does not interfere with the bite.
If an implant-supported bridge is being used, treatment may take longer because the implants need time to heal and integrate with the jawbone before the bridge can be fitted.
The procedure is usually carried out with local anaesthetic, so the patient should not feel pain while the teeth are being prepared. There may be some pressure, vibration or mild discomfort during treatment.
After the appointment, the teeth and gums may feel sensitive for a short time. This usually settles as the mouth adjusts to the new bridge.
If pain continues, the bite feels too high, or the bridge feels uncomfortable, the patient should contact the dentist for a review.
After the bridge is fitted, it may feel slightly different at first. Most patients get used to it quickly. The dentist may make small adjustments to the bite so the bridge feels natural when chewing.
The patient will need to clean carefully around and underneath the bridge. This is important because plaque and food can collect around the supporting teeth and under the false tooth.
Special floss, interdental brushes or a water flosser may be recommended to help keep the area clean.
Good oral hygiene is very important after having a dental bridge. The bridge itself cannot decay, but the natural teeth supporting it can still develop decay or gum problems.
A tooth bridge is done by using neighbouring teeth or implants to support an artificial tooth that fills a gap. The process usually involves preparing the supporting teeth, taking impressions or scans, fitting a temporary bridge and then cementing the final bridge into place.
A dental bridge is usually attached with crowns, adhesive wings or dental implants, depending on the type of bridge. Root canal treatment is not always required, but it may be needed if a supporting tooth is infected, badly decayed or damaged.
For the right patient, a dental bridge can be a strong, natural-looking and reliable way to replace missing teeth and restore normal chewing, speaking and appearance.
87 Northcote Road
Battersea,
London,
SW11 6PL
Call us today on 0207 223 7096
