Replacing front teeth with a bridge

Replacing Front Teeth With A Bridge – Everything You Need To Know

Missing natural teeth is a global issue. According to the Oral Health Foundation, over 66% of British adults have lost at least one tooth. Unfortunately, missing teeth can cause a lot of issues. Not only do they affect one’s facial aesthetics and personality – especially if the front ones are missing – but they can also cause difficulties in speaking and eating. However, thanks to modern dentistry, there are several options available for replacing missing teeth. In this article, we discuss everything you need to know about different tooth replacement options and help you decide the one that best suits your needs. 


Is It Better To Get A Dental Implant Or A Bridge?

A traditional dental bridge is a fixed appliance that replaces missing teeth by resting on the adjacent supporting teeth on both sides. On the other hand, an implant is a screw-shaped fixture inserted directly into the jawbone – just like natural teeth – and serves as a replacement root. Hence. Dental implants are not only more tooth conservative than bridges but are also much stronger, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. Therefore, when it comes to replacing lost teeth, dental implants are the best option. 

Can A Dentist Remove A Crown Once It’s Glued?

Dentists attach dental crowns to prepared natural teeth using adhesives. These crowns cannot be removed by the patients; patients shouldn’t attempt removing their crowns unless they become extremely loose. However, dentists have special equipment that allows them to remove dental crowns for repair or replacement. 

Can You Replace An Old Dental Bridge With An Implant?

In some instances, it may be possible to replace an old bridge with an implant-supported prosthesis. However, this depends on various factors. The first is the health of the underlying bone. If the underlying bone has degraded over time due to prolonged tooth loss, your dentist may have to restore its health by performing additional procedures like tooth grafts or ridge augmentation. The second factor is the status of the adjacent teeth that were supporting the bridge. If they are grossly damaged, your dentist may have to restore them first or extract them and replace them with implants. 

Are Dental Bridges Permanent?

Unlike dental implants, which have lifelong durability, traditional dental bridges have a limited clinical life. However, with proper care, you can expect them to last up to 15 years. The key is to maintain optimal oral hygiene, especially around the supporting teeth. This is because if the supporting teeth become loose due to periodontal issues, it can lead to the dislodgement of the tooth bridge. The clinical life dental bridges also depend on the type of the dental bridge, whether you are getting a cantilever bridge or the Maryland bridge. 

What Are The Benefits Of Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges offer several benefits over conventional removable dentures. First of all, bridges are fixed to the teeth. Therefore, they remain stable and allow better chewing and speech efficiency than dentures. Secondly, teeth bridges tend to last longer and have fewer care requirements than conventional dentures. Also, teeth bridges stain much less than dentures. 

When Should I Get A Dental Bridge?

As discussed earlier, the ideal replacement option for missing teeth is dental implants. However, if you are not a suitable candidate for getting implants, or you cannot afford them, teeth bridges are the next best option. 

How Painful Is The Dental Implant Procedure?

Getting your teeth replaced with implants is a straightforward procedure. However, since the implants are surgically inserted into the jawbones, your dentist will make sure that you remain pain-free and relaxed during the entire procedure by administering local anaesthesia. So, don’t worry; you will not feel any pain while you’re getting implants. 

How Long Does It Take Place A Dental Implant?

The dental implants placement procedure is usually completed in multiple sittings. However, in some cases, your dentist may place dental implants right after extracting the damaged teeth. At the first appointment, your dentist will examine your teeth and prepare a detailed treatment plan. In the next appointment, your dentist will perform the implant surgery. After implant placement, your dentists will place healing collars over them for four to six months to ensure uninterrupted healing. Once the implants have become fully anchored within the bone, your dentist will attach s suitable prosthesis over them, such as implant supported bridge for complete missing teeth in a jaw. 

What Is Better, Root Canal Or A Tooth Extraction?

Extracting a tooth should always be the dentist’s last resort. According to the American Association of Endodontists, saving natural teeth through a root canal procedure should always be the priority of dentists. This is because, despite tremendous advancement in dentistry, there is no tooth-replacement option that is as strong as your natural teeth. 

How Long Does It Take To Place A Crown On A Tooth?

Traditional dental crowns which are prepared in the dental laboratory usually require 2-3 sittings for placement. During the first appointment, your dentist will perform a clinical examination and prepare a custom treatment plan. During the next appointment, they will prepare the teeth for crown attachment and send the impressions of the prepared teeth to the laboratory. At the final appointment, your dentist will attach the crowns to your teeth. However, if crowns are prepared conventionally using a chairside milling machine, this process can be completed in a single appointment. 

Missing teeth should be replaced not just for aesthetic reasons but also to restore optimal dental functions. Even a single missing tooth can create difficulties in eating and speaking. If you have one or more missing teeth and you’re considering getting them replaced in Ely, Newham Dental should be your first choice. We offer high-quality dental services under one roof at affordable rates. So, book an appointment with us and let us give you a smile that you truly deserve. 

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