Dental bridge is one of the options to replace missing teeth. These bridges consist of one or more pontics (fake teeth) and are held in place by dental crowns (abutments), which are cemented onto the teeth adjacent to missing tooth. It uses natural teeth on both sides of the gap created by your missing tooth.
Compared to dental implants, one of disadvantages is dental bridges have to trim down adjacent teeth, which is damage to natural teeth. Another significant disadvantage is the difficulty with flossing. Super floss has to be used to clean underneath a dental bridge.
In this case, we had a failed bridge which was done many years ago and a missing tooth. In total, we had two missing teeth and two gaps. There are three natural teeth adjacent to the gaps. One of them was heavily restored with amalgam. Two others had root canal treatment done and only root stumps left. These two root stumps can only be restored after surgical crown lengthening. So we performed surgical crown lengthening before replacing missing teeth.
Besides a five unit dental bridge, the other treatment option would be three crowns and two dental implants. One of the implants will need sinus lift as well. Financially the second option is much more expensive than a dental bridge.
A dental bridge preparation was performed followed by an accurate impression.
The dental bridge was made by a local dental lab in Melbourne.
The final result is very satisfying functionally and aesthetically.
