A bridge is a custom device anchored to adjacent teeth that replaces one or more missing teeth. Losing a permanent tooth – whether it is due to dental decay, periodontal (gum) disease, injury or accident – can cause many serious problems for your neighbouring teeth. The remaining teeth may begin to shift due to altered forces, the surrounding teeth also will deteriorate faster due to increased forces and stresses on them. Once the bridge is in place, the teeth are stable again.
A fixed bridge is commonly cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing tooth. A false tooth (called a pontic) replaces the lost tooth. The pontic is attached to the crowns that cover the adjacent teeth. The crowns, which are cemented onto the natural teeth, provide support for the bridge.
