Missing a Tooth? “Bridge” the Gap
What is a Fixed Partial Denture (Dental “Bridge”)?
- A fixed partial denture (FPD) is a prosthetic device that
replaces one or more missing teeth by “bridging” the
space between two teeth.
- A dental “bridge” is a lay term for a fixed partial
denture.
- Fixed dental bridges (FPD’s) are
cemented onto “abutment” teeth – the
teeth that support the bridge on either side of the space or “span”.
The part of the “bridge” replacing the missing tooth
is a pontic.
- Unlike removable partial dentures, fixed partial dentures
(“bridges”)
cannot be removed by the patient.
Who should get a Fixed Partial Denture
(“Bridge”)?
- If you are missing any teeth
and are committed to maintaining good oral hygiene practices,
you may be a candidate for a bridge.
- A bridge is the most natural
choice to fill the space in your mouth left by missing teeth.
- Fixed bridges may correct an altered bite, and improve your
chewing ability, and speech. They also safeguard your appearance
by preventing
the collapse of your facial features that can cause premature
wrinkles and age lines.
What types of bridges are there?
- Besides traditional bridges, another popular design is the
resin bonded or “Maryland” bridge, primarily used
for the front teeth when the bite does not interfere.
- A “Maryland” bridge
is usually the most economical choice when the abutment teeth
are healthy and don’t contain
fillings.
- A cantilever fixed partial denture (“bridge”)
is supported by a tooth or teeth on only one end. Its use is
limited because
of the mechanical forces that may be placed on the unsupported “cantilever” end.
- If there are no adjacent teeth to act as anchors, our dentist
may
recommend an implant – a metal post that is surgically
imbedded into the bone and “capped” with a crown.
- In some cases where the span is large, your dentist may recommend
a removable partial denture or even an implant-supported replacement.
How do I care for a bridge?
- With a bridge, it is more important than ever to brush, floss
and see your dentist regularly.
- If you do not control the buildup
of food debris and plaque, your
teeth and gums can become infected, requiring further treatment
and resulting in possible loss of the bridge.
- Your dentist may
also recommend using floss threaders that help remove bacteria
from hard to reach spaces between the bridge
and adjacent teeth and gums.
- If you maintain optimal oral hygiene care, you can expect
your fixed “bridge” to last as many as 8 to 10 years,
or even longer.
When a filling won’t do – try
a Crown
What are crowns?
- Artificial replacement
that restores missing tooth structure by covering part or all
of the remaining tooth structure with a material
such as cast metal, porcelain, or a combination of such materials.
In lay terms a crown is often referred to as a “cap”.
- A crown is necessary when a tooth is generally broken down
and fillings won’t solve the problem.
- A crown may strengthen
and improve the appearance of a tooth.
- If a tooth
is cracked a crown may hold the tooth together so the damage
doesn’t get worse.
Crowns are also used:
- To support a large filling when there
isn’t enough of
the tooth remaining—Protect weak teeth from fracturing
- Restore fractured teeth
- Cover badly shaped or discolored teeth
- To attach a fixed partial denture (“bridge”)
to the supporting teeth. As part of the fixed partial denture
(“bridge”)
the crowns are called retainers and the supporting teeth
are called abutment teeth.
How is a crown placed?
- To prepare the tooth for a crown, it is reduced so the crown
can fit over it.
- An impression of teeth and gums is made and
sent to the laboratory
for the crown fabrication.
- A temporary crown is fitted over the
tooth until the permanent crown is made.
- On the next visit, the
dentist removes the temporary crown and cements the permanent
crown onto the tooth.
Why crowns and not veneers?
- Crowns require removal of more tooth structure; hence, they cover
more of the tooth than veneers.
- Crowns are for teeth with significant
loss of tooth structure. Veneers are used for esthetic reasons
on stained teeth with little
or no lost tooth structure.
- Crowns may be placed on natural teeth
or dental implants.
How should I take care of my crowns?
- Avoid chewing hard foods, ice or other hard objects.
- Avoid clinching
and/or grinding your teeth.
- Visit your dentist twice yearly
and brush twice a day.
- Cleaning between your teeth is vital with crowns.
-
Floss or interdental cleaners remove plaque from the crown
area where the gum meets the tooth.
Reprinted with permission from the Academy of General Dentistry
» Back to Dental Health Tips
Health Tip:
Men: Pay Attention
to Your Bicycle Seat
Men who bike more than three hours a week should be aware that standard bicycle seats, ridden for extended periods, can cause temporary numbness and, in some, more serious problems, such as erectile dysfunction.
Such problems are caused by compression of an artery and a nerve connected to the penis. New seat designs to minimize compression are now available.
Other preventive measures you can incorporate:
- change the position (height) of the seat
- use a padded or wide seat
- stand frequently on the pedals
- frequently shift positions while riding
- avoid significant time in the forward position
- use the legs to absorb shocks when riding over bumps.
