Dental Bridges in Ashburton

Bridge or implant?

A bridge is quicker than an implant and doesn’t require surgery, so it suits people who want the gap closed sooner or who aren’t candidates for implants. The trade-off is that the neighbouring teeth must be prepared as supports, which means reducing healthy enamel.

If those neighbouring teeth already need crowns, a bridge makes a great deal of sense. If they’re pristine, an implant that leaves them untouched is usually the better long-term choice. We’ll be straight with you about which applies.

What’s involved

Is a bridge right for you?

A bridge may suit you if:

• You are missing one tooth, or two or three teeth in a row.
• The teeth either side of the gap are firm and have healthy roots.
• Your gums are healthy, or gum problems have been treated first.
• You want a fixed option rather than a removable denture.

A bridge may not suit you if the supporting teeth are loose or weak, or the gap is too long to span. Your dentist may then talk about dental implants or a partial denture. If your gums need attention first, see gum treatment.

Types of bridge

Conventional bridge

The false tooth is joined to crowns on the teeth either side of the gap. This is the usual design and suits many gaps.

Resin-bonded bridge

The false tooth has small wings that bond to the back of the neighbouring teeth. Much less tooth is removed. It can suit some front-tooth gaps where the bite is light.

Implant-supported bridge

When several teeth are missing, a bridge can be fixed to implants instead of natural teeth, leaving the remaining teeth untouched.

The first few weeks

Your bite may feel a little different at first. Many people get used to it within a few days. Start with softer food and cut harder food into small pieces. Some sensitivity to cold in the supporting teeth is common early on and usually settles. Call us if the bridge feels high when you bite, if it rocks, or if sensitivity gets worse instead of better.

Protecting the supporting teeth

A bridge is only as strong as the teeth holding it. Decay or gum disease around those teeth is a common reason a bridge fails. Clean under the false tooth every day, use a fluoride toothpaste and keep up regular check-ups and cleans. If you grind your teeth, ask about a night splint to reduce the load.

Cost and health funds

We are a Bupa Members First Platinum, HCF More for Teeth and nib First Choice preferred provider. We accept all health funds, including Medibank, ahm, CBHS and Australian Unity, claimed on the spot with HICAPS.

Common questions

How many teeth can a bridge replace?

A bridge commonly replaces one to three teeth in a row. Longer spans put more load on the supporting teeth, so for bigger gaps your dentist may suggest implants or a partial denture. The right choice depends on the strength of the teeth and bone either side of the gap.

Can I get a bridge straight after an extraction?

Usually not straight away. After a tooth is removed, the gum and bone change shape as they heal, often over a few months. A temporary option can fill the gap in the meantime. Your dentist will advise when the area is ready for a long-term bridge.

What happens if a supporting tooth gets decay?

Small decay at the edge of a crown can sometimes be repaired in place. Deeper decay may mean the bridge has to be removed so the tooth can be treated, and a new bridge made. Regular check-ups help catch problems early, when they are simpler to fix.