8 Essential Questions to Ask before Choosing Bridges

Without knowing what questions to ask, you might not know what options there are to replace a missing tooth. Unless you are equipped with some basic dental knowledge, you might think that your only option is a denture. The Same Day Teeth Suite will help by filling the gaps in your knowledge about dental bridges and the gaps in your teeth by giving you a better smile to be proud of.

The 8 key questions?

What is a bridge?

A bridge fills the gap left by a missing tooth. It is attached to one or more teeth either side of the space left by a missing tooth. The anchoring teeth are called “abutment teeth” and may need to be prepared by cutting them down or can be left as they are before a bridge is fitted. A bridge is made up of one or more crowns, or artificial teeth that are joined together.
How does my dentist decide which option is best for me?

When deciding how to fill the space left by a missing tooth or teeth, we need to take into account many factors including the following:
- The location of the space.
- The size of the space – the bigger the gap, the more teeth will be needed to be carried by a bridge (implants or dentures are usually advised in larger spaces).
- The general condition of your teeth including those next to the space.
- Your own concerns and desires
What tests will my dentist carry out?

Your dentist will thoroughly examine the condition of your teeth and gums. X-Rays will be taken of the teeth surrounding the space to ascertain if the bone and gum support is healthy. Each case is unique and needs to be assessed accordingly. For example, if you have only one tooth missing, and the teeth either side are healthy, it is not advised to cut down the healthy teeth to make room for a bridge. In this case, a dental implant would be the gold standard treatment.
What types of bridges are there?

Bridge options include:
- Conventional bridges which can involve tooth preparation and reduction of the teeth either side of the space. If a bridge is well looked after, it can last approximately ten years.
- Maryland/resin bonded bridges involve no preparation of the neighbouring teeth and consequently pose no risk to the adjacent teeth. A metal or ceramic wing, carrying the false tooth, is permanently cemented to the teeth next to the gap. It is a great option for maintaining healthy teeth whereas a conventional bridge poses greater risks to the tooth.
- Implant retained bridge – a dental implant placed into your jaw holds the bridge securely in place and is the closest solution to natural teeth.
How do I care for a bridge?

Whatever type of bridge you have, it is essential you follow a good oral hygiene routine and clean around your bridge by brushing and flossing. You will need to keep regular appointments with your dentist and hygienist. If the bridge is not kept clean, gum disease and decay could develop around the tooth carrying the bridge and eventually failure of the bridge.
How do I get a bridge?

The first step is a thorough examination and consultation. We discuss the options for your mouth and pros of cons of each solution before deciding together on how to best replace the missing teeth. Once this has been decided, the skilled technicians at our laboratory will carefully hand-craft your bridge to perfectly match your existing teeth.
What alternatives are there?

Your alternatives to a bridge include:
- Implants, the gold standard for replacing a missing tooth. A dental implant is a small titanium post surgically implanted into your jaw bone to hold a replacement tooth. The benefit of using implants is that they don’t rely on neighbouring teeth for support, and they are permanent and stable.
- Denture or partial denture which consists of a removable frame or plate with an artificial tooth or teeth.
How much does a dental bridge cost?

The cost varies depending on what type of dental bridge you have. We first invite you in for a free consultation so we can assess the best bridge solution for you and work on finding payment solution to help you.