What is a bridge?
A bridge is a custom device anchored to neighboring teeth that replaces one or more missing teeth. When a lost tooth is replaced with bridgework, the teeth on either side of the missing one are prepared as crowns to serve as abutments to support the prosthetic (replacement) tooth.
Crowns and bridges are most often made from superior materials such as precious or semiprecious metals, porcelain, or a fused combination of the two. Aesthetics, function, durability and tissue compatibility are some of the considerations when selecting the material most suitable for your treatment.
Stationary bridge prosthesis
The Stationary Bridge Prosthesis is the system for the fixed replacement of missing teeth or the splinting of weak teeth. It is constructed of a base of gold or other metals with a tooth-colored ceramic covering where cosmetics are concerned. The bridge restores normal function by holding the neighboring teeth to a stabilized position and spreads the biting pressures over several teeth.
There are two basic parts to the Stationary Bridge.
- The abutment teeth are the teeth to which a bridge is attached. The abutment crowns are the dental restoration which fastens the bridge to the abutment teeth. The abutment crowns will serve to encase the top of the tooth, thus dispersing the biting forces over the entire surface of the tooth and protecting the tooth from deterioration.
- The pontic is the portion of the bridge, which actually replaces the missing tooth. This is a suspended tooth or teeth supported by the abutment teeth over the empty space.
There are times when the abutment tooth to be restored is so decayed or deteriorated that there is not enough structure to support the crown. In this situation the dentist may need to place a composite pin retained support or “build-up”. In the case of a root canal treated tooth a reinforcing post may be placed in the root canal space to provide even more support.
A second issue concerns the dental pulp or nerve tissue. It is not unusual for a tooth with a history of decay, extensive fillings and/or fractures to develop a condition of pulp inflammation. Often, this situation resolves in time, but if not, root canal treatment will be recommended.
The tooth-colored covering is glass-like ceramic porcelain, which is very durable and esthetic and has a very minimal chance of chipping, cracking or peeling.
As with any restorative procedure your oral care is the key to its long-term success. One of our staff will discuss with you the proper methods for care of your prosthesis.
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