Pontics and abutment teeth, also known as bridges are
a common treatment for replacing missing teeth. Perfectly filling the gaps as a
result of broken or removed teeth, bridges help in improving routine functions
of the teeth, while enhancing the esthetics. Crowns offer a similar aesthetic
and functional enhancement of existing teeth that need a cap. The treatment may
sometimes create apprehension in the minds of patients due to unwarranted fear.
Five such typical questions of patients are answered here.
Life of a dental bridge
A dental bridge will generally last for about ten
years. During the period of ten years the recipient will get to use the teeth
normally without any problems. Specialist dentists outfit the abutment teeth
and the false teeth after carrying out a proper examination and preparation of
the adjoining teeth.
Can multiple
missing teeth be covered with bridges?
Yes. Bridges can replace many
adjoining missing teeth. This procedure, known as implant support bridges,
involves the use of implants and bridges to replace multiple teeth. A
combination of false teeth, implants, crowns and abutment teeth are typically
used by a specialist to get the desired results.
Depending on the material used in a crown and the
manner in which it is maintained, it is possible to expect crowns to last a
lifetime. Porcelain crowns are resistant to wear, while alloys are known to be
a lot easier on the opposing surfaces.
Can a crown
match the color of other teeth?
Yes indeed. The color of crowns can be matched to the
color of other teeth in the mouth. The advancements in materials and technology
have helped the industry to perfect methods of achieving a near match so as to
prevent embarrassingly contrasting colors.
Can bridges
replace lost molars?
This is an apprehension on the minds of many
patients. Bridges can replace lost molars. Experienced specialists perform the
procedure by removing just the right amount of enamel of adjoining teeth,
before cementing the abutment teeth and the false teeth. It requires a
specialist to perform this as care needs to be taken to ensure that the
pressure on adjacent teeth is just right and not too much.