A dental bridge is a fixed restoration designed to replace one or more missing teeth.
A conventional bridge uses teeth adjacent to the missing space as supports. Crowns are placed on the supporting teeth and connected to an artificial replacement tooth known as a pontic.
At John E. Sullivan DDS, P.C., we evaluate several factors before recommending a bridge, including the health of the supporting teeth, periodontal condition, bite, location of the missing tooth, and alternative treatment options.
After the supporting teeth are prepared, an impression or digital scan is obtained. A temporary bridge may be placed while the definitive restoration is fabricated.
When the final bridge is delivered, we evaluate:
A bridge is permanently cemented and does not come in and out like a removable partial denture.
Because the teeth are connected, patients must use specialized flossing techniques or other interdental cleaning devices underneath the replacement tooth.
With good home care and regular professional evaluation, dental bridges can provide many years of function.