Is a Dental Bridge the Right Restorative Dentistry Option? By drmori on January 29, 2016

In the past, patients with missing teeth would never be able to restore their smile completely. Older dental restorations did not quite match natural teeth, and patients often had limited dental function while wearing them. Thankfully, Dr. Joseph Mormino offers advanced restorative dentistry, using state-of-the-art materials and techniques. Dental bridges are one of the most common treatments for missing teeth, and Dr. Mormino provides both traditional and implant-supported bridges. To determine your candidacy for these restorations, he will conduct a thorough exam. He will also discuss your personal goals and budget, working with you to select the treatment that is right for your smile. To find out if you are a good candidate for a dental bridge, contact our Staten Island, NY practice today.

What Is a Traditional Dental Bridge?

A traditional bridge is made up of several attached crowns, or pontics. A crown on each end will attach to your natural teeth on either side of the gap in your smile (abutment teeth). To place a bridge, Dr. Mormino will need to reshape these teeth, removing as little dental tissue as possible. The preparation process will make room for the restoration, ensuring a secure and lasting fit. After he has removed the necessary tissue, Dr. Mormino will take impressions of your teeth. Technicians at our on-site lab will craft your bridge, and Dr. Mormino can place it that same day.

We use various materials to create bridges, including gold and porcelain-fused-to-metal. For the most part, however, we recommend tooth-colored porcelain. Thanks to advances in dentistry, the material is almost as strong as metal. Plus, with many different shades available, your bridge will be a near-perfect match to your surrounding teeth.

Are You a Candidate for a Traditional Bridge?

If you are missing one or more teeth, you may be a candidate for a traditional bridge. Bear in mind, however, that a bridge usually cannot replace more than three teeth. If you are dealing with more widespread tooth loss, a partial denture may be a more appropriate option. In addition, to receive a bridge, your abutment teeth must be healthy enough to uphold the restoration. Finally, you must have generally good dental health. If you have gum disease or current dental decay, Dr. Mormino will need to treat these conditions before placing your bridge.

What Is an Implant-supported Dental Bridge?

Like a traditional bridge, an implant-supported bridge will replace one or more teeth. However, instead of resting on your nearby healthy teeth, the restoration will sit on top of dental implants, surgically placed in your jawbone. Dr. Mormino will take x-rays and 3-D scans of your jaw to create a unique surgical plan. Typically, he will place two posts to ensure a secure foundation. Your bone tissue will heal around the biocompatible titanium. After four to six months of healing, you will return to the office. At this time, Dr. Mormino will attach abutment pieces and your custom-made dental bridge.

Are You a Candidate for an Implant-supported Bridge?

If you are going to receive implants, it is important that you have enough jawbone tissue. Without a strong foundation, the implants may eventually loosen or come out. Bone recession is common after tooth loss. Therefore, Dr. Mormino will need to examine your jaw carefully to determine whether you can receive implants. Often, he can maximize the strongest areas of your jaw, even if you have lost volume in other areas. In other cases, he may recommend a bone grafting procedure. Using your own bone tissue or an alternate material, he will rebuild the sunken areas of your jaw and create enough support for your implants.