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Okiemom2005 · 05-28-2005, 11:14 AM

I posted a new thread here yesterday about having my first bottom right molar extracted.
The dentist recommends that later on when I can afford it that I have a bridge.
What is a bridge? Is that just another word for a partial or denture to fill in that space where my molar used to be?
Anyone from experience how do they form the bridge to fit your mouth? What holds the bridge in your mouth?
Is the experience long and painful to go through?
Sorry for so many questions.
Thanks in advance for your replies.

ForgottenFaith · 05-29-2005, 12:13 AM

Bridge: n 1: a structure that allows people or vehicles to cross an obstacle such as a river or canal or railway, etc.

It's impossible to fit a bridge into someone's mouth; they're too big, silly. I like your imagination.

gemmy200 · 05-29-2005, 04:52 AM

Okiemom~ I had a bridge placed last Feb. I had a failed root canal on my front tooth#8. It was a very quick process taking only two visits. On the first visit they "prepped" the area. That involved grinding the two teeth on either side of the offending tooth to a point. They take impressions and send you off with a temporary bridge. It took about 2 weeks for the permanant bridge to be completed.Depending on how many teeth you are missing, it is just that...a bridge of teeth. Mine has 3. They fit the two outer ends on top of the filed, pointy teeth, and you have a replacement in the middle where you are missing the tooth. On your second visit, they will remove the temp. and cement the permanant in place. It is a VERY strong cement, and very unlikely to come loose. (although I have heard of it happening, but in that case they will simply cement it back in) And just like that you have straight perfect "looking" teeth again! I love mine, after awhile you get used to it and it feels very natural. The only thing I regret is not getting it made whiter. Once you have a bridge made, there is no whitening it, and no product in the world will touch the color. Mine isn't yellow, but I would have liked it to be a "gleaming white" Good luck!

Cinemagic · 05-29-2005, 08:42 AM

A partial denture is sometimes referred to as a bridge. There are two restorations that are called bridges. A removeable bridge - a partial denture. Your dentist is probably referring to a fixed bridge. This does not come out of your mouth. The teeth on each side of the space are prepared for crowns (caps). The missing tooth is connected to each of the crowns. It looks like three individual teeth, but is actually one solid piece cemented to the teeth on each side of the space. It will feel very similar to what you had before, but will require some extra cleaning techniques that your dentist will explain to you.

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