4 Subtle Warning Signs You Need a Root Canal
A tooth infection is not only painful, but dangerous if left untreated. Here are four subtle warning signs that a root canal might be on your horizon.
4 Types of Dental Bridges: Which One Is Right for You?
Whether you’re missing one or a few teeth, you might be the perfect candidate for a dental bridge. Supported by your surrounding teeth, bridges provide a tooth replacement option that gives you a natural look while restoring functionality.
At Margaret Culotta-Norton, DDS, PC, in Washington, DC, Dr. Margaret Culotta-Norton and Dr. Peter Grinc provide four different types of dental bridges that restore your smile and give you back a functional arch of teeth.
Types of dental bridges
Similar to a dental implant, a bridge is a prosthetic meant to replace a missing tooth. However, where an implant is held in place by a titanium post, a bridge is anchored to the teeth on either side. The design of the bridge depends on you, and there are four general types to choose from.
Traditional bridge
This is the most common type of dental bridge: The prosthetic tooth is held in place by crowns cemented on the adjacent teeth. As long as you have teeth on either side of the missing tooth, a traditional bridge should suit your needs.
Maryland bridge
Similar to the traditional bridge, the Maryland bridge requires teeth on either side of the gap. Instead of being held in place by crowns, the prosthetic is supported by a metal framework. This method will only work if your teeth are healthy and well-maintained; weak teeth can be at higher risk of breaking or cracking from strain, and will require crowns to support dental bridges instead.
Cantilever bridge
If you have multiple missing teeth in the same spot, such as several molars in the back of your jaw, you might not have enough support for a traditional or Maryland bridge. In these cases, you might be able to receive a Cantilever bridge, which only requires a single abutment tooth. This makes them somewhat less stable, but a strong tooth can support a Cantilever bridge on its own. We’ll look at all of your options and figure out what makes the most sense for you.
Implant-supported bridge
If you have numerous missing teeth, Dr. Culotta-Norton might recommend placing a few strategic dental implants to support larger bridges. This means you can reconstruct your smile with as little surgery, downtime, and expense as possible. The implants hold fast in your jawbone, and the bridgework attaches to the top, supporting your restorations.
Wondering if a bridge is the right replacement option for your missing tooth? Dr. Culotta-Norton and Dr. Grinc will examine your mouth, look at the state of the gum and bone as well as the surrounding teeth, and help you decide which option will provide a lasting solution.
To schedule an appointment, call 202-833-1111 or visit the contact page for more information.
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