Cantilever Dental Bridges in Henderson, NV

What Are Cantilever Dental Bridges?

A cantilever dental bridge is used to replace a missing tooth when there’s only one adjacent supporting tooth available. Unlike traditional bridges, which are secured on both sides by dental crowns on the neighboring teeth, a cantilever dental bridge is cemented to a crown on just one side. The tooth supporting the artificial tooth is commonly known as the abutment tooth.

Cantilever bridges are generally crafted from ceramic and metal or entirely from ceramic materials. They are often utilized to replace a missing front tooth.

Benefits of Cantilever Dental Bridges

Cantilever dental bridges offer several advantages, such as:

• Minimal Tooth Preparation: These bridges require minimal alteration of adjacent teeth, meaning the supporting teeth on one side of the gap undergo less modification, preserving more of their natural structure.
• Preservation of Tooth Integrity: With less reduction needed for adjacent teeth, the risk of damaging healthy tooth structure is minimized, promoting better long-term oral health for the supporting teeth.
• Effective for Small Gaps: Cantilever bridges are particularly beneficial for replacing a single missing tooth or when there’s only one tooth adjacent to the gap. This makes them a practical solution for specific tooth replacement scenarios.
• Simple Procedure: The placement of a cantilever bridge generally involves a simpler procedure compared to more complex options like implant-supported bridges, leading to a quicker and less invasive treatment process.
• Cost-Effective: They can be a more budget-friendly option compared to alternatives like implant-supported bridges, making them more accessible for patients with financial constraints.
• Less Healing Time: As the procedure is less invasive, patients typically experience shorter healing times and less postoperative discomfort, allowing for a faster recovery and return to normal oral function.

How the Process Works

Initial Consultation

Schedule an appointment with your Henderson, NV dentist to discuss your tooth replacement needs. During this consultation, your dentist will assess your oral health, the condition of adjacent teeth, and the gap that needs to be filled.

Treatment Planning

If a cantilever bridge is deemed suitable, your dentist will create a treatment plan. This plan will include considerations for the bridge design, material selection, and overall procedure approach.

On the day of the procedure, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area around the missing tooth and adjacent teeth, ensuring your comfort during the treatment.

Tooth Preparation

The adjacent tooth (or teeth) designated to support the cantilever bridge will be prepared by removing a small amount of enamel to create space for the bridge.

Impression Taking

After preparing the tooth, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth to create a precise mold, which will be sent to a dental laboratory for bridge fabrication.

Temporary Bridge Placement

While your permanent bridge is being made, a temporary bridge may be placed to protect the prepared tooth and enhance aesthetics.

Bridge Fabrication

A skilled dental laboratory technician will use the impressions to craft a custom-made cantilever bridge, designed to match the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth for a seamless appearance.

Permanent Bridge Placement

Once the permanent bridge is ready, you’ll return to the dentist’s office. The temporary bridge, if placed, will be removed, and the new cantilever bridge will be carefully fitted and adjusted as necessary.

Bonding

The bridge will be bonded to the prepared adjacent tooth using dental cement. The dentist will ensure a comfortable fit and proper bite alignment with the new bridge.

Final Adjustments

Your dentist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure your new bridge feels comfortable and functions properly when you bite and chew.

Do You Need a Cantilever Dental Bridge?

A cantilever bridge may be recommended by your dentist for various reasons, including:

• Single Missing Tooth: They are a suitable option for individuals with a single missing tooth, particularly when there’s only one tooth adjacent to the gap that can serve as support.
• Adjacent Tooth Strength: The adjacent tooth chosen for support should have good structural integrity and be free from significant dental issues like decay, gum disease, or extensive restorations.
• Small Gaps: Cantilever bridges are effective for small gaps where only one tooth needs to be replaced. They are especially useful when a traditional bridge with support on both sides isn’t feasible due to the lack of adjacent teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions