Bridges
Tooth Supported Bridge
A tooth-supported bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by using the natural teeth for support.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How is a tooth-supported bridge made?
The supporting teeth next to the missing teeth are shaped for crowns. An impression or digital scan is made of the
teeth and used to fabricate the bridge. The bridge consists of the missing teeth called pontics attached to the crowns.
The bridge is cemented on to the teeth and is not removable.
2. What materials are used to make a tooth-supported bridge?
Many different materials can be used to fabricate tooth-supported bridge. Dr. McClintock works with labs who
fabricate tooth-colored ceramic materials. In certain cases, bridges made from ceramic fused to a metal foundation
may be recommended. If metal alloy is required for additional stability of the restoration, usually gold and other
precious metals will be used. Dr. McClintock will provide guidance as to the choice of bridge material.
3. What are the benefits of a tooth-supported bridge?
It replaces missing teeth. It helps maintain the bite and prevents teeth from shifting. It may improve the smile,
restore speech and the ability to chew.
4. What are the risks of a tooth-supported bridge?
Sensitivity associated with a crowned tooth that may last several months. A crowned teeth may need root canal
treatment which could be a six percent risk or higher depending on previous treatment. It may not copy the natural
teeth in terms of shape, size or color. Decay may occur on any root surfaces of the teeth not covered by the crowns.
Recession of the gums may occur, and as a result, the junction of the crowns and teeth may show. Food will become
trapped under the bridge causing a possible risk to the supporting teeth of decay or gum disease. Should the natural
teeth change color due to age or bleaching, the color of the bridge will no longer match. An excessive bite force may
cause the bridge to chip, break or wear.
5. What are the alternatives to a tooth-supported bridge?
Replacement of the missing teeth with implant-supported crowns. Replacement of the missing teeth with a
removable partial denture. Leave the space as it is.
6. How long will a tooth-supported bridge last?
Ceramic fused to metal bridges have a survival rate of approximately 94% after 5 years. Ceramic-only bridges have a
slightly lower survival rate of approximately 88% after 5 years. Dr. McClintock will provide guidance as to the choice
of bridge material.
Implant Supported Bridge
An implant-supported bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by using implants for support.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How is an implant-supported bridge made?
Implants are placed in the jawbone by an oral surgeon next to the site of the missing teeth. An impression or digital
scan is made of the implants and is used to fabricate the bridge. The bridge consists of the missing teeth called
pontics, and crowns which are attached to the implants. The bridge is cemented or screwed onto the implants.
2. What materials are used to make an implant-supported bridge?
The implants are made of titanium or zirconia. The bridge is made of a resin polymer, a tooth-colored ceramic, a
similar ceramic fused to a metal foundation, or a metal alloy – usually gold and other precious metals.
3. What are the benefits of an implant-supported bridge?
It replaces missing teeth without involving the natural teeth. It helps maintain the bite and prevents teeth from
shifting. It may improve the smile and restore speech and the ability to chew.
4. What are the risks of an implant-supported bridge?
A problem with an implant may require its removal, necessitating replacement of both the implant and the bridge.
Due to shifting of the natural teeth, a space may develop between the implant bridge and the adjacent teeth.
Recession of the gums may occur, and as a result the join of the bridge to the implants may show. The screw or
cement keeping the bridge on the implants may fail. Food may become trapped under the bridge causing a possible
risk of the loss of the bone securing the implants. Should the natural teeth change color due to age or bleaching, the
color of the bridge will no longer match. An excessive bite force may cause the bridge to chip break or wear.
5. What are the alternatives to an implant-supported bridge?
Replacement of the missing teeth with a tooth-supported bridge. Replacement of the missing teeth with a removable
partial denture. Leave the space as is.
6. How long will an implant-supported bridge last?
Ceramic fused to metal bridges have a survival rate of approximately 94% after 5 years. Ceramic-only bridges have a
slightly lower survival rate of approximately 88% after 5 years. An implant-supported bridge can last 10-20 years,
depending on individual risk factors for the implants. Dr. McClintock will provide guidance as to the choice of bridge
material and implants.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. McClintock to learn more. Our number is 757-220-1999.
A tooth-supported bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by using the natural teeth for support.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How is a tooth-supported bridge made?
The supporting teeth next to the missing teeth are shaped for crowns. An impression or digital scan is made of the
teeth and used to fabricate the bridge. The bridge consists of the missing teeth called pontics attached to the crowns.
The bridge is cemented on to the teeth and is not removable.
2. What materials are used to make a tooth-supported bridge?
Many different materials can be used to fabricate tooth-supported bridge. Dr. McClintock works with labs who
fabricate tooth-colored ceramic materials. In certain cases, bridges made from ceramic fused to a metal foundation
may be recommended. If metal alloy is required for additional stability of the restoration, usually gold and other
precious metals will be used. Dr. McClintock will provide guidance as to the choice of bridge material.
3. What are the benefits of a tooth-supported bridge?
It replaces missing teeth. It helps maintain the bite and prevents teeth from shifting. It may improve the smile,
restore speech and the ability to chew.
4. What are the risks of a tooth-supported bridge?
Sensitivity associated with a crowned tooth that may last several months. A crowned teeth may need root canal
treatment which could be a six percent risk or higher depending on previous treatment. It may not copy the natural
teeth in terms of shape, size or color. Decay may occur on any root surfaces of the teeth not covered by the crowns.
Recession of the gums may occur, and as a result, the junction of the crowns and teeth may show. Food will become
trapped under the bridge causing a possible risk to the supporting teeth of decay or gum disease. Should the natural
teeth change color due to age or bleaching, the color of the bridge will no longer match. An excessive bite force may
cause the bridge to chip, break or wear.
5. What are the alternatives to a tooth-supported bridge?
Replacement of the missing teeth with implant-supported crowns. Replacement of the missing teeth with a
removable partial denture. Leave the space as it is.
6. How long will a tooth-supported bridge last?
Ceramic fused to metal bridges have a survival rate of approximately 94% after 5 years. Ceramic-only bridges have a
slightly lower survival rate of approximately 88% after 5 years. Dr. McClintock will provide guidance as to the choice
of bridge material.
Implant Supported Bridge
An implant-supported bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by using implants for support.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How is an implant-supported bridge made?
Implants are placed in the jawbone by an oral surgeon next to the site of the missing teeth. An impression or digital
scan is made of the implants and is used to fabricate the bridge. The bridge consists of the missing teeth called
pontics, and crowns which are attached to the implants. The bridge is cemented or screwed onto the implants.
2. What materials are used to make an implant-supported bridge?
The implants are made of titanium or zirconia. The bridge is made of a resin polymer, a tooth-colored ceramic, a
similar ceramic fused to a metal foundation, or a metal alloy – usually gold and other precious metals.
3. What are the benefits of an implant-supported bridge?
It replaces missing teeth without involving the natural teeth. It helps maintain the bite and prevents teeth from
shifting. It may improve the smile and restore speech and the ability to chew.
4. What are the risks of an implant-supported bridge?
A problem with an implant may require its removal, necessitating replacement of both the implant and the bridge.
Due to shifting of the natural teeth, a space may develop between the implant bridge and the adjacent teeth.
Recession of the gums may occur, and as a result the join of the bridge to the implants may show. The screw or
cement keeping the bridge on the implants may fail. Food may become trapped under the bridge causing a possible
risk of the loss of the bone securing the implants. Should the natural teeth change color due to age or bleaching, the
color of the bridge will no longer match. An excessive bite force may cause the bridge to chip break or wear.
5. What are the alternatives to an implant-supported bridge?
Replacement of the missing teeth with a tooth-supported bridge. Replacement of the missing teeth with a removable
partial denture. Leave the space as is.
6. How long will an implant-supported bridge last?
Ceramic fused to metal bridges have a survival rate of approximately 94% after 5 years. Ceramic-only bridges have a
slightly lower survival rate of approximately 88% after 5 years. An implant-supported bridge can last 10-20 years,
depending on individual risk factors for the implants. Dr. McClintock will provide guidance as to the choice of bridge
material and implants.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. McClintock to learn more. Our number is 757-220-1999.