If you have a missing tooth, a dental bridge is one of your many options to fix your smile. Traditionally, a dental bridge uses two healthy teeth on both sides of the missing tooth gap as support to hold it in place. These are called abutments. However, there are certain situations wherein two abutments are not the best option for your bridge. For this, your dentist may recommend a single tooth bridge.
A single tooth bridge may be ideal if you want a more conservative and affordable treatment or if you only have one healthy tooth to act as an abutment. Ultimately, it depends on your dentist to create the best treatment plan for you.
Read below to learn more about single tooth bridges and if this is an ideal alternative to renew your smile.
What is a Single Tooth Bridge?
While a traditional dental bridge uses two abutments to hold the artificial tooth in place, a single tooth bridge is a fixed dental prosthetic that only requires one abutment. This is also commonly called a cantilever bridge.
The abutment, or the healthy tooth support, may come from either side of the tooth gap. This should be a healthy or well-restored tooth so it can anchor the bridge in place and improve the natural appearance and function of your smile. The bridge will hang onto this abutment tooth while an artificial tooth or pontic will extend across the gap to replace the missing tooth.
A single tooth bridge is most beneficial to patients who only have one healthy tooth on either side of the missing tooth. It is also recommended if the single tooth abutment can provide sufficient support for the artificial tooth, preventing the need to shave down another tooth.
Benefits of Single Tooth Bridges
Over other alternatives such as traditional dental bridges, dentures, and implants, single tooth bridges can offer several advantages, including:
More conservative and affordable treatment
Because it only requires two units of a dental bridge, a single tooth bridge offers a less invasive and cheaper option.
Faster and less complicated procedure
A single tooth bridge is non-surgical. This is unlike dentures or an implant which may require pre-treatment procedures such as bone augmentation to prepare the mouth. And because there is no surgery involved, the recovery time for a single tooth bridge is very minimal.
Restores chewing and speaking functions
Whether as a replacement for the front or back tooth, a single unit dental bridge can effectively restore your confidence in speaking and talking. It also allows you to bite and chew your favourite foods.
Improves the smile and bite
A complete set of teeth prevents consequences such as shifting of the teeth which can cause teeth gaps and bite problems.
Drawbacks of Single Tooth Bridges
However, because it only uses the support of one tooth, a single tooth bridge may be less durable and stable compared to a traditional dental bridge. Because of this, the lifespan of a single tooth bridge is lower even with good maintenance.
Also, because of the singular tooth as support, a single tooth bridge can only effectively replace one missing tooth. If you have a few missing teeth, it is best to go over other alternatives with your dentist.
Alternatives to Single Tooth Bridges
If you have a few missing teeth and a single tooth bridge is not the ideal option for your case, your dentist may recommend other treatment alternatives, such as:
- Traditional Dental Bridge
A traditional dental bridge is a great option if the tooth to be replaced requires the additional support of an extra abutment. This treatment involves using two healthy teeth on both sides of the arch to support a dental bridge and to fill in the missing or lost tooth.
- Partial Dentures
This is a removable option for a single missing tooth. It uses a pink-coloured base to mimic the gums and an artificial tooth. Usually, a single-tooth partial denture has clasps that wrap around the adjacent tooth to prevent it from shifting around while you bite and chew.
- Dental Implants
For a permanent solution to a missing tooth, you may opt to have a dental implant. This procedure involves the surgical placement of a titanium post in the jawbone. This will serve as the foundation for the future artificial crown to effectively replace the lost tooth.
Single Tooth Bridge Aftercare
With good care, a single tooth bridge can last up to 7 years or more. Here are some tips that can help maintain its appeal and durability:
- Brush twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove plaque and bacteria that may affect the bridge.
- Remember to floss to remove debris in between the teeth. However, because of the attachment parts, you may find it hard to clean the side of the bridge. Instead, you may use a water flosser, floss threader, or interdental floss.
- Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods as this may compromise the stability of your bridge.
- Visit your dentist twice a year for regular check-ups so they can assess the health of the abutment, provide early treatment if needed, and ensure that your single tooth bridge remains in good shape.
Single Tooth Bridge Cost
There is no “one cost fits all” when it comes to a single tooth bridge. The cost may vary depending on the material of the bridge and your specific dental needs. For example, if there are certain tooth restorations to be done on the abutment tooth, this will add on to the total cost. Also, a tooth bridge made of metal-porcelain is more affordable compared to all-ceramic options.
Ultimately, the cost will be finalized upon creating your bespoke treatment plan. For more in-depth information on this, you may schedule your consultation with Sierra Dental at Signal Hill. At our office, we follow the Alberta Dental Association fee guide which lists all dental services and their corresponding costs. This helps with transparency in pricing and allows our patients to understand the fees before they commit to a treatment.
If you have a missing or lost tooth, a single tooth bridge is a faster, conservative, and more affordable option for you. Contact us today to discover if this is the right choice for you and your smile!