Top 10 Googled Questions About Dental Bridges - With Expert Answers!
If you’re missing one or a few teeth in a row, you may benefit from a dental bridge.
In today’s blog, Dr. Jeffrey Salatino, a respected general dentist in Marietta, GA, answers the top 10 googled questions about dental bridges. Sometimes, patients refer to dental bridges as crown and bridge, a tooth bridge, or an oral bridge; these are all the same prosthetic appliance.
Before we delve into the Q&A, look at the images that accompany this blog. In the first picture, you can see that a traditional dental bridge attaches to two prepared, natural teeth. The false tooth, or pontic, is suspended between the crowns. A bridge can replace two or three teeth, as well.
An implant bridge attaches to two dental implants secured into the jaw, instead of two natural, crowned teeth. The second image in this blog depicts an implant-secured bridge, also known as an implant-retained bridge or simply an implant bridge. Patients must have sufficient bone tissue and generally good health to qualify for implants.
There are a few less popular types of bridges, as well. A Maryland bridge is usually placed on front teeth because no crowns are required. The Maryland bridge is made with wings that the dentist affixes to the back of neighboring teeth. A cantilever bridge features just one crown, instead of two, and is used when only one anchor tooth is available.
Now that you better understand the purpose, structure, and options relating to dental bridges, let’s get to the top 10 Googled questions and expert answers.
#1
How long an a tooth bridge last?
In the absence of injury and in patients who maintain good oral health and bi-annual dental visits, a dental bridge can endure for five to 15 years. Longevity also depends upon the materials used, quality of fabrication, patient’s personal habits (biting nails, grinding teeth, use of tobacco), and overall health.
#2
How much does a tooth bridge cost?
Many factors contribute to the cost of a dental bridge, including but not limited to prerequisite procedures, materials used, lab used, local economy, and the dentist’s experience, reputation, and expertise. Generally, you can expect a bridge to cost at least $3500. Dental insurance often covers part of this cost, and at Healthy Smiles of East Cobb, financing is available with low- and no-interest for qualified applicants.
#3
What are the disadvantages of a dental bridge?
A traditional dental bridge requires the preparation of anchoring teeth. Tooth prep involves removing some enamel to make space for crowns on the bridge. Even under crowns, teeth with reduced enamel can become decayed if the seal between the prepped tooth and crown is compromised. Furthermore, prepped teeth can feel sensitive to cold foods and drinks for a few weeks. The sensitivity usually, but not always, subsides over time.
Lastly, a traditional bridge will not keep the jawbone from natural deterioration where original teeth were lost. In contrast, an implant-supported bridge will! Because implants stimulate the jaw, the body continues to supply essential bone-strengthening minerals. Also, natural teeth are not necessary to anchor an implant bridge, so no tooth preparation is involved. A minor in-office surgery is all that’s necessary to place dental implants into the jawbone. A bridge may last 15 years, but the implant posts can remain structurally sound for a lifetime.
#4
How many teeth are needed for a dental bridge?
Replacement teeth (pontics): A traditional bridge replaces one to three teeth, in most cases. An implant-retained bridge can replace four or five teeth.
Anchor teeth: When it comes to securing a traditional bridge, two teeth are preferred for anchoring, but one is sufficient for a cantilever bridge. Anchor teeth must be healthy and strong.
#5
Who is NOT a good candidate for a dental bridge?
Patients with poor oral health may need prerequisite procedures prior to having a dental bridge placed. Anchor teeth must be strong and healthy enough to support the bridge for up to 15 years. Issues like periodontal disease and infections can interfere with healing, as can smoking tobacco.
At your consultation, Dr. Salatino will evaluate your oral health, take X-rays, discuss important considerations, and help you decide whether a bridge is the best course of treatment. If it isn’t, he’ll provide alternatives.
#6
Why do some dentists prefer an implant-retained bridge?
An implant-retained bridge has these primary benefits over a traditional bridge:
It is independently anchored, meaning it doesn’t rely on other teeth for support.
No tooth preparation is required.
Implants promote jawbone health and retention.
The structure of a dental implant mimics a natural tooth root.
#7
What percentage of dental bridges fail?
According to statistics, 35% of traditional dental bridges fail by year 15. In 10-15% of cases, anchor teeth require root canal therapy. Poor oral health is the primary cause of bridge failure.
On the flip side, an implant-supported bridge in a person who practices good oral health can last 10 to 20 years or longer and implants can last a lifetime. Should the bridge itself become damaged, a new bridge can be placed on existing implants.
#8
Are dental bridges risky?
Most dental and medical procedures have some risk. With a traditional bridge, prepared anchor teeth may become sensitive. Additionally, if the seal between the anchor tooth and crown is compromised, bacteria can invade and cause decay.
Reduce your risk of infection by taking great care of your oral health in this way:
Visit Dr. Salatino twice a year for a preventive checkup and dental cleaning.
Brush two or three times a day, morning and evening.
Floss once a day. A water flosser, super flosser, or interdental brush works well for cleaning beneath a bridge. Clean well, or you will develop bad breath.
Use a tongue scraper to remove bacteria from the tongue’s surface.
Use antibacterial mouthwash to eliminate bad breath and reduce the bacteria that cause oral health problems.
See Dr. Salatino if you notice any oral pain or abnormalities, including repeated bleeding when brushing and flossing. This could indicate gum disease.
#9
Do teeth rot under a bridge?
If the permanent adhesive holding crowns on teeth becomes unsealed, bacteria can access the natural teeth and cause tooth decay. Should your bridge loosen, visit Dr. Salatino.
#10
Can food get under a dental bridge?
Absolutely. A water flosser, super flosser, or interdental brush works well for cleaning beneath a bridge. Clean it well, or you will develop bad breath and foster the development of excessive bad bacteria in the mouth.
Reserve Your Dental Bridge Consultation
If you’ve lost teeth or plan to have extractions, and a dental bridge could improve your oral function, health, and/or appearance, it’s time to talk to a dentist. People who live or work near Marietta, GA, should call Healthy Smiles of East Cobb at 770-973-9765 for a personal consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Salatino. In addition to ensuring your good oral health and a quality bridge, Dr. Salatino and our team will make your comfort Priority One.