If you have some teeth missing, you may want to consider going with a dental bridge. A bridge can be a great way to replace your teeth that gives you a permanent solution with a minimal amount of dental work involved. In order to determine whether or not a bridge will work for you, it's important to understand how they are put in and what they offer. This article will give you the information you need to have a better understanding of dental bridges so you decide whether or not they may be right for you.

At least one of your teeth will be completely replaced

A dental bridge is used to completely replace a tooth that's gone. Whether the tooth got knocked out or it was removed by the dentist, there should be only an empty spot where the tooth once was. Otherwise, you are a candidate for another type of treatment, such as a crown.

You need to have supporting teeth in the right places

A dental bridge will need to have at least two teeth to support it. Depending on the teeth you are having replaced, there may need to be more supporting teeth. The teeth being used for support have to be a certain distance apart. Otherwise, there is a risk of the bridge snapping when put under stress.

Your supporting teeth need to be reliable

The teeth that will be used to support the bridge need to be in fairly good shape. When the bridge is put in place, the dentist will also need to put crowns on the teeth that will be supporting it. This means they will need to grind down some of the support teeth to make room for the cement and crowns. The teeth will need to take on the added stress of having a bridge attached to them and depending on them for stability. Fragile teeth can break under this pressure.

Your gums need to be healthy

In order for the dentist to put a bridge in place, they will want you to be free of other conditions, such as gum disease. This means they may put the procedure off until you undergo treatment for any other problems before they put the bridge in place.

If you feel you are a good candidate for a bridge, you want to talk to your dentist about the possibility. A bridge is a great way to replace missing teeth for anyone who meets the required criteria.