Dental Bridge Cranebrook

A dental bridge, also known as a pontic, is a permanent solution to replace one or more missing teeth. Dental bridges are fixed into place by securing them to healthy teeth or dental implants adjacent to the gap being filled. Bridges are a great solution for cosmetically enhancing the appearance of your smile as well as improving bite function.

For more information about how a dental bridge can restore the appearance of your smile, please call us at Cranebrook Dental today.

What Is The Difference Between Dental Crowns and Bridges?

Dental crowns and bridges are made of similar materials (such as porcelain) and form a similar function in restoring your teeth. However, they are quite different dental treatments.

Crowns

A porcelain dental crown is designed to cover a single, natural tooth that has had a root canal, is damaged, misshapen or unable to be filled. Having a crown or multiple crowns placed doesn’t involve the adjacent teeth and beneath a crown, your natural tooth remains in the jaw. Dental crowns cannot be used to cover a gap where a tooth is missing.

Bridges

With bridges, their role is to fill a space left by missing teeth. With no natural teeth in place to cap with a crown, dental bridges rely on the teeth either side of the gap to act as anchor points for the prosthetic.

The prosthetic is a single piece of porcelain moulded to replicate your teeth, at each end the ‘teeth’ are hollowed out to act as crowns on the natural teeth.
A bridge does not involve changes to the gum beneath and can fill a space left by one missing tooth or multiple missing teeth.

When Is a Dental Bridge Recommended?

A dental bridge may be recommended by your dentist over a dental implant or dentures for a number of reasons.

Dental bridges are best for:

Filling a larger space in the gum when one or more teeth are missing.
Those who have experienced recurrent issues with gum health as the gum is left intact.
Anyone who has bone loss or issues with bone growth and cannot have a dental implant.
Patients who smoke or have other issues which inhibit adequate healing to gum tissue.
Avoiding dentures.
Patients who would otherwise need multiple dental crowns or dental implants.
Patients who want a rapid cosmetic result. Bridges are a much quicker procedure than implants for missing teeth, with less risk of complications.

What to Expect In a Dental Bridge Procedure

Should you have only recently lost the teeth to be replaced or had a tooth extracted, you will need to wait before having a bridge fitted. Typically you will need to wait between 5-6 months for the gum to heal and settle into place before pursuing bridge treatment. Your dentist will determine when you are ready and set a date with you to begin the procedure. Usually, it will take more than one appointment time to finalise treatment.

Steps Followed During A Bridge Procedure:

Under local anesthetic, the teeth on either side of the gap are filed down and prepared.
A mould is made of the teeth, gum and the gap in your bite.
A temporary bridge will be placed while your permanent, high quality one is made by a specialist technician. Careful attention is paid to ensure each tooth in the bridge looks natural.
At your final visit, the temporary bridge will be removed and the permanent one fixed in place.

How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?

With good attention to oral hygiene, dental bridges can last anywhere from 5 – 15 years, sometimes longer. It is not possible to floss a bridge since it is a single piece, and you may need to pay special attention to cleaning around the gum.

It is possible for the teeth within the bridge to decay. So to help extend the longevity of your bridge a great oral hygiene routine is a must.

For help and information about caring for your bridge, speak to your dentist during your appointment.

Restore Your Smile With Cranebrook Dental

At Cranebrook Dental, your smile is our passion. Whether you have a single missing tooth or multiple, we can provide information and advice on the best dentistry procedure. We can help restore confidence in your smile through the use of crowns, porcelain bridges and tooth implants.

Servicing Cranebrook, Penrith and surrounds, our friendly team of dentists are available during business hours Monday through Friday, with some Saturday appointment times available also. Please call us today to make an appointment at our clinic and prepare for your new look.

Your Cranebrook Dental Clinic

A Friendly Dental Team Headed By Local Cranebrook Dentists

Expert care by highly trained professionals that live in and know your community, our team offers continuity of care for you and your family. From infancy to your golden years, your Cranebrook Dental Clinic is invested in the lifetime of your smile.

Located centrally and easy to find, we are accessible on the ground floor and offer ample parking on site.

Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am – 2:00pm
Sunday: Closed