What Are Dental Bridges?
Just like dental crowns, bridges are also fixed prosthetic devices that bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. A typical bridge is composed of one or more artificial teeth which are called pontics, held in place by two dental crowns or abutments. They are cemented onto the supporting teeth, or in some cases, fixed on an implant that has been placed next to the missing teeth.
Who Are Suitable Candidates for a Dental Bridge?
Anyone who is missing one or more consecutive teeth can be a candidate for a dental bridge. Those who have lost a larger number of teeth may be better suited for a fixed or removed partial denture. Proper advice will also be given upon consultation to arrive at a more suitable solution.
It is important that a patient’s remaining teeth are structurally sound and free from decay. A patient with unchecked gum disease must first be treated before bridgework can be done.