Do I Need a Bone Graft for a Bridge?
A dental bridge is a type of tooth restoration used to replace a tooth, or a few teeth in a row. It is an artificial tooth, or pontic, attached to one or two crowns that are placed on the adjacent teeth to support the restoration, creating a “bridge.”
Dental Bridges vs Dental Implants
Often someone looking for a way to restore a missing tooth will end up choosing between a dental bridge and a dental implant. One advantage that bridges have over implants is that dental bridges do not require a bone graft to complete the procedure, while dental implants often do.
Dental implants require a bone graft if there is insufficient bone density in the empty space. Without a bone graft, the implant would inevitably fail. Dental bridges, on the other hand, do not require a bone graft because of their design. The artificial tooth in a bridge simply hovers just above the gums, held in place by its crowns.
Types of Bridges
There are many types of bridges to choose from:
Traditional dental bridge – consists of one or a few pontics attached to two crowns, one on each side, placed on neighboring healthy teeth.
Cantilever dental bridge – uses a pontic attached to just one crown instead of two, placed on top of an adjacent healthy tooth. This design is not as strong as traditional bridges.
Maryland dental bridge – a pontic held in place by metal wings instead of crowns, which extend out from the pontic and are bonded to the backs of neighboring teeth.
Implant-supported dental bridge – three or more pontics anchored by dental implants on both ends of the bridge.
Are you wondering what type of dental bridge is right for you? Call or visit My Ogden Dentist in South Ogden, Utah – we can help!