A bridge spans
a space where one or more teeth have been
lost in the dental arch. The teeth on either
end of the span are crowned, and are referred
to as abutments. The false teeth in a bridge
that join the abutments are referred to as
pontics. Crowns and bridges are most often
made from superior materials such as precious
metals (gold), semi-precious metals, porcelain,
or a combination of metal fused to porcelain.
Both esthetics (appearance) and function are
considered when selecting the material most
suitable for you.
Why Replace Missing
Teeth?
Losing a tooth
can be of social and psychological concern.
Teeth are lost for a number of reasons including:
*Dental decay
*Periodontal (gum) disease
*Trauma (injury or accident)
When a permanent
tooth is lost, the neighboring teeth are affected.
Because the support and chewing forces are
altered, the remaining teeth will begin to
shift. The tooth above or below the one that
was lost will begin to move up and out of
its socket. This accelerates periodontal (gum)
disease and causes further breakdown in the
dental arch. If the missing tooth is not replaced,
more teeth will eventually be lost, due to
the improper forces exerted during chewing.
What Is Crown And
Bridge Treatment?
Crown and bridge
treatment is a long-term method of replacing
missing teeth. A crown is placed on an individual
tooth, (somewhat like a thimble over your
finger) where there is no longer sufficient
tooth structure left to place a filling.
A bridge spans
a space where one or more teeth have been
lost in the dental arch. The teeth on either
end of the span are crowned, and are referred
to as abutments. The false teeth in a bridge
that join the abutments are referred to as
pontics. Crowns and bridges are most often
made from superior materials such as precious
metals (gold), semi-precious metals, porcelain,
or a combination of metal fused to porcelain.
Both esthetics (appearance) and function are
considered when selecting the material most
suitable for you.
How
Is Treatment Performed?
At the first appointment
a thorough oral examination, evaluation of
your dental history and necessary X-rays are
completed. The diagnosis is based on these
three factors. Once it has been determined
that crown and bridge treatment is indicated,
you will be set up with a series of appointments.
Note: It's important that you keep all of
these appointments.
You see, your treatment
occurs in a planned sequence. Missing or postponing
your appointment may cause treatment delays,
allowing further tooth movement before treatment
can be completed.
