Many Canadians today have had to deal with permanent tooth loss. You’ll find that most of these people ignored tooth loss because it was relatively easy to get used to. Missing teeth can, however, have serious consequences such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disease in later stages of life. 

When a tooth gets extracted, it leaves an open socket in the jaw. This empty socket causes the adjacent teeth to shift positions leading to misalignment in the jaw. A misaligned jaw will often lead to TMJ disease. 

An opening in your jaw will also provide bacteria access to your jawbone and the deep tissues surrounding it. A bacterial infection in the jawbone might cause it to reduce in density and strength, leading to further tooth loss. An infected jawbone can present a significant risk to other significant organs within the body, such as the brain and heart.

To avoid these complications, a dentist will choose to treat an infected tooth rather than extract it. However, when the tooth does get removed, the hole left still presents a risk. 

That’s where dental bridges come in. 

 

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is an implant that dentists use to replace missing teeth and cover up the gaping hole. It essentially supports the adjacent teeth by holding them in place.

Dental bridges are made from a variety of materials. The most popular ones are made from porcelain because they have a natural tooth color and appearance. But some bridges are also available in gold and metal alloys. 

Let’s take a look at the four types of dental bridges available today. 

 

Types of Dental Bridges

Traditional Dental Bridge

A traditional dental bridge is the most common type of bridge today and is used mainly by people with strong natural teeth on either side of the open gap. It comes with a false tooth or set of teeth attached to crowns on both sides to hold them in place.  

 

Maryland Dental Bridge

Maryland bridges use the same principle as traditional bridges. They both get attached to the abutment teeth on either side of the space. However, the Maryland dental bridge uses either metal or porcelain to create a framework that is attached to the abutment teeth from the back. 

This type of dental bridge is available mainly for people who have healthy natural teeth on both sides of the gap.

 

The Cantilever Dental Bridge

The cantilever dental bridge operates in an almost similar way to the traditional bridge. The cantilever bridge, however, uses only one abutment tooth for support. This feature makes it convenient for people with only one healthy natural tooth on the side of the gap.

 

Implant-Supported Bridges

Implant-supported dental bridges operate using dental implants instead of a support network. The dentist will surgically install the implant in the jawbone to keep the dental bridge in the proper position. Subsequent surgery is, however, needed to complete the procedure by installing a dental crown.

 

What Is the Procedure for Getting a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge procedure is a straightforward process when done with the right professionals. Read on to see what you should expect during every visit.

 

The Assessment Stage

When you first come in for a visit, our dentist will conduct a thorough examination of the affected area to determine the best treatment option. The dentist will study images of your jaw to determine the type of bridge to use and its design. Viewing these images is important because they provide the dentist with meaningful insight that helps them provide the denture that best addresses your situation.

 

The Preparation Stage

After the assessment, your next appointment with us is in the tooth preparation stage. During this stage, our dentist will condition the abutment teeth to better bond with the dental bridge. This is done by shaping them using a file to avoid leaving any open spaces. 

You don’t have to worry about pain or discomfort since your assigned dentist will administer pain medication to make the procedure as comfortable and smooth for you as possible. 

The dentist will also take an impression of your tooth during this visit. This impression then gets sent to the lab to guide the manufacture of your dental bridge. Because the bridge should match the natural appearance of your other teeth, a sample color is also taken during this stage. This sample will ensure your dental bridge color matches the rest of your teeth.

Some patients qualify for temporary bridges while they wait for the full bridge to get constructed. These temporary bridges help to maintain the shape of the newly filed abutment teeth to avoid an ill-fitting dental bridge.

 

Fitting the Permanent Dental Bridge

Our dentist will take out the temporary bridge during your next appointment and replace it with your custom and permanent one. Upon taking out the temporary bridge, they will clean the underlying tooth to kill any bacteria present. They will then use dental cement to bond the new bridge onto the abutment teeth.

 

Post-Procedure Clinic

A follow-up appointment should be your next priority. During this visit, the dentist will examine the bridge to check for any signs of trouble. They will then inform you how to care for your dental bridge to keep it in good condition for a long time.  

 

Talk to Our Dentist Today

A missing tooth may seem harmless but it can present a challenge even to the most basic functions such as speaking and chewing. Because the tongue relies on support from the teeth to make certain sounds, a missing tooth will alter this function. Food particles also tend to get stuck in spaces between the teeth, where they decompose after a while to produce harmful bacteria.

By getting a dental bridge, you will be able to avoid such health complications in the future. Don’t wait to lose all your teeth before acting on the problem. Edmonton Smiles provides world-class healthcare to our patients, keeping them smiling with confidence all year long. 

Feel free to give our dental clinic a call at 405-689-9781 for further information on dental bridges in Edmonton or any of our services. 

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