Dental Bridges
What is a Tooth bridge?
A bridge provides a way of filling a gap left by a missing tooth or teeth, without the need for a denture or an implant. A dental bridge is made by putting crowns on the teeth at either side of the gap (also known as abutments), and then joining these two crowns together by placing a false tooth in the space (also known as a pontic). This is all made in the laboratory and then the pieces are cemented into place with special adhesives. The bridge can’t be removed. This type of bridge is known as a ‘full coverage’ bridge.
Another option is an adhesive bridge. This has ‘wings’ that are bonded to the back of the supporting teeth, with very little drilling needed. They are also known as ‘Maryland’ Bridge.
Colm Smith Dental and Specialist Centre fitted its first Maryland/Adhesive bridge in 1986. We were one of the first practices in Ireland to pioneer this treatment. We have documented several of our premium Maryland bridges lasting 20 years and more. For patients seeking this type of bridge, the bite must be favourable and there must be plenty of healthy neighbouring tooth structure to glue the bridge to. If this isn’t the case, then a full coverage bridge is usually indicated.
Am I suitable for a bridge?
Dental Bridges are a great option if you are missing 1 or 2 teeth
You can have a bridge only if you have enough strong teeth with good bone support. Your dental team will help you decide which is the best way of replacing missing teeth.
How do I look after my bridge?
You need to clean your bridge every day, to prevent problems such as bad breath and gum disease. You also have to clean under the false tooth every day. Your dentist or hygienist will show you how to use a bridge needle or special floss (known as superfloss), as a normal toothbrush cannot reach.
What is involved with having a bridge?
Visit 1
Visit 1: At the first visit, your dental team will prepare the tooth/teeth. This will involve removing a layer of the outer surface, leaving a strong inner core.
The amount of the tooth removed will be the same as the thickness of the crown on the abutment tooth/teeth. Once the tooth is shaped, the dental team will take an impression (mould) of the prepared tooth, one of the opposite jaw and another to show the way you bite together.
The impressions will then be given to a dental technician, along with information about the shade to use and any other information they need. A temporary bridge will be made so that you can use the tooth while you wait for the crown to be made. This may be more noticeable but is only temporary.
Visit 2
Visit 2: At the second visit, your dentist will fit the permanent bridge. There will usually be about 1 to 2 weeks between appointments.
Our Reputation speaks for itself
We have generations of happy patients from all over Ireland, our aim is to provide affordable dental care which is of the best quality possible.
If you would like to read more of our reviews, you can do so on Google, Facebook, WhatClinic and many other locations. We pride ourselves on our excellent reputation and are looking forward to having you join our long list of happy patients.
Are there any risks involved with having a bridge?
1. Expected complications
- Numbness lasting a few hours due to using local anaesthetic
- Soreness of the gums lasting a few days.
2. Common risks and complications
- Trauma to other parts of the mouth including adjacent teeth, gums, cheeks, tongue etc.
- Sensitivity of the prepared tooth/teeth lasting up to a few weeks.
- Debond of the temporary bridge (i.e. the temporary bridge may loosen, fracture or fall out).
- Discolouration of the temporary bridge.
- The final bridge may have areas/edges that require special instruments to keep clean, for example, under the false tooth.
- Altered bite on the final bridge which may take a few weeks to ‘settle in’, or may require adjustment.
- Pain from the tooth that may require further treatment, for example, extraction or root canal treatment.
3. Rare risks and complications
- Removing tooth material to make space for the crown can irritate the nerve inside the tooth sometimes leading to the nerve dying and causing toothache. There is a 20% risk of loss of vitality, meaning the nerve in the tooth may die and require root canal treatment. If this occurs it will require an additional cost.
- Trauma to tissues underneath the tooth including bone, sinus, nerves supplying other teeth etc.
- Allergic reaction to something used during the procedure.
- Trauma or injury to the muscles or jaw joint which may require follow-up care, or referral to a dental specialist.
- Prolonged or permanent numbness, tingling or altered sensation.
- Failure or fracture of the teeth holding the bridge in place which could result in additional tooth loss.
How much does a dental bridge cost?
The cost will vary depending on the size and type of bridge you need. Your dentist will help you decide which material to use for your bridge, based on the location of the tooth (or teeth), its function and aesthetic considerations. This will impact the cost of your bridge.
Although a bridge may seem expensive it should last many years. At Colm Smith Dental we provide our patients with the knowledge and expertise needed to get the best results. Our pricing is competitive, and our dentists are highly skilled. Please see our price list below or call one of our practices in Cootehill and Monaghan to find out more.
PRSI & Medical Card
PRSI Scale & Polish for 15 euro
PRSI- Please present your PPS number and with your signed consent, Colm Smith Dental can check your eligibility. If you are eligible, your check-up will be free and a regular scale and polish with the dentist or hygienist will be €15.
Medical Card Cover
Medical Card- if you hold a medical card, with your consent Colm Smith Dental can check your eligibility prior to your appointment. If you are eligible, you are entitled to a free examination, 2 fillings and all extractions per calendar year. Other treatments are available on the Medical card; however prior approval is required from the HSE.
Your Dental Clinic
Find out why generations of families choose Colm Smith Dental
Every patient is treated like family, and that is what makes us different than other clinics. Each patient has a unique set of needs, therefore each patient needs to be treated differently.
You are more than a number for us here at Colm Smith Dental, and we promise to do our utmost to ensure you have a healthy smile and mouth, and you have a reason to smile leaving our clinic
Colm & Lucia Smith
CONTACT US TODAY
If you are unsure what treatment you may need, please fill out the appointment form with as much information as possible and we will contact you as soon as we can.
We have Dental Clinics in Cootehill in Cavan and also in Monaghan centre.