Who should get a bridge?

If a dental implant is not a feasible option, a dental bridge is appropriate. Dental bridges are falling out of favor as a first choice for tooth replacement. It is the second best choice statistically in terms of longevity compared to dental implants having the highest success rates. If someone loses a tooth due to decay, trauma or any other reason, a dental bridge is one option. The younger a patient is and if the teeth to be used to support a dental bridge are healthy teeth without large restorations or crowns already on them, a dental bridge is not the best of choice to replace the missing tooth. The most appropriate place for a bridge would be on someone that is not an implant candidate due to lack of bone and a systemic condition that decreases the potential success rate. Other reasons might be financial as bridges are a little less expensive than the implant option. If you would like more clarification on this subject, please find the contact information on my website:Freemansmiles.com.

What are dental bridges?

Dental bridges are restorations that replace a missing tooth. They were more popular in the past before dental implants came along. Essentially what happens when someone loses a tooth and needs it replaced, the two teeth on either side of the gap would have to be prepared for crowns which would have a tooth "bridging " the gap and connected to the two crowns. In order to replace one tooth, three teeth would be restored when using a bridge. In some cases, this is still acceptable treatment. If the two teeth on either side of the missing tooth do not have much dental work on them or have none at all, the better treament choice would be a dental implant and long term not only more conservative and less problematic, but less expensive to maintain. Dental implants have the highest success rate and that includes longevity compared to bridges. The younger someone is, the more likely a dental implant may be the better choice as well. If you would like more clarification on this subject, please find the contact information on my website:Freemansmiles.com.