Can I have a dental bridge if I have gum disease?
29 September 2023
Dental bridges are an effective way to restore your smile by replacing missing teeth. They consist of one or more artificial teeth, known as pontics, which are anchored in place using adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. This dental prosthetic not only enhances your appearance but also improves your ability to chew and speak properly.
However, the road to getting a dental bridge may not be straightforward for everyone, especially if you’re dealing with gum disease. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common oral health issue that affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. It can range from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis and can have implications for your eligibility for dental bridges.
About Gum Disease
Gum disease is primarily caused by the accumulation of plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—on the teeth and gums. If not properly removed through regular brushing and flossing, this plaque can lead to inflammation of the gums, which is the initial stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis. Symptoms of gingivitis include redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums, especially during brushing and flossing.
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress into periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease. Periodontitis involves the destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth, including the bone. This can result in symptoms such as gum recession, pockets forming between the teeth and gums, and even tooth mobility or loss.
About Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are restorative devices designed to “bridge” the gap left by missing teeth. They are custom-made to match the appearance of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless and aesthetically pleasing smile.
Dental bridges are categorised into several types, including traditional bridges, cantilever bridges, Maryland bridges, and implant-supported bridges. The choice of bridge depends on factors such as the location of the missing tooth, the condition of adjacent teeth, and your dentist’s recommendations.
Assessing Eligibility with Gum Disease
The presence of gum disease can indeed influence your eligibility for a dental bridge. The key factor here is the overall health of your oral tissues, including your gums and supporting bone. A thorough assessment by a qualified dentist is crucial in determining whether you can proceed with a dental bridge while managing gum disease.
In mild cases of gum disease (gingivitis), dental bridge placement may still be possible. Your dentist will likely recommend treating the gingivitis first to ensure that the inflammation is under control before proceeding with the bridge.
However, in more advanced cases of gum disease (periodontitis), the situation becomes more complex. The destruction of the supporting bone and the presence of deep gum pockets can significantly impact the stability of adjacent natural teeth, which are essential for anchoring the dental bridge.
Dental Consultation
When faced with gum disease and the need for a dental bridge, it is crucial to seek professional advice. Consulting with a skilled dentist or periodontist such as DS Dental Studio will provide you with a clear understanding of your unique situation and the available options. Here are some important steps to consider:
- Dental Examination: Our dentist will conduct a thorough examination, including assessing the extent and severity of your gum disease, the condition of your remaining teeth, and the suitability of the adjacent teeth for supporting a bridge.
- Treatment of Gum Disease: If gum disease is present, the first priority will be to address it. Treatment may include scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), medication, or, in severe cases, surgery.
- Stabilising Oral Health: Achieving stability in your oral health is crucial before moving forward with a dental bridge. This may involve a period of monitoring and maintenance to ensure that gum disease is under control.
- Consider Alternative Options: Depending on the state of your oral health and the feasibility of a dental bridge, our dentist may discuss alternative treatments, such as dental implants or partial dentures.
- Customised Treatment Plan: Our dentist will work with you to create a customised treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and concerns.
It’s important to note that every case is unique, and the eligibility for a dental bridge can vary widely depending on the individual’s oral health and the expertise of the dental care team. Seeking professional guidance is the best way to determine the most suitable course of action.
Treatment for Gum Disease
Gum disease treatment aims to control and manage the condition, prevent its progression, and restore oral health. The treatment approach will depend on the severity of the gum disease. Here are some common treatments for gum disease:
- Scaling and Root Planing: This deep cleaning procedure removes plaque and tartar from the teeth and roots, helping to reduce inflammation and promote healing of the gums.
- Medications: Our dentist may prescribe antibiotics, antimicrobial mouthwashes, or other medications to combat the infection and reduce inflammation.
- Surgery: In advanced cases of gum disease, surgical interventions such as flap surgery or bone grafting may be necessary to restore damaged gum tissues and bone.
- Ongoing Maintenance: After initial treatment, regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential to monitor your oral health and prevent gum disease from returning.
Steps to Get a Dental Bridge with Gum Disease
If you and our dentist decide that a dental bridge is the best solution for your missing teeth, here are the general steps involved in the process:
- Consultation: As previously mentioned, an initial consultation with our dentist is essential to assess your eligibility and plan the treatment.
- Gum Disease Treatment: If gum disease is present, it will be treated and monitored until your oral health is stable.
- Tooth Preparation: The adjacent teeth that will support the bridge may need to be prepared, which involves removing a portion of their enamel to accommodate the bridge.
- Impressions: Impressions of your teeth will be taken to create a custom-fitted bridge that matches the shape and colour of your natural teeth.
- Temporary Bridge: While your permanent bridge is being fabricated, a temporary bridge may be placed to protect your exposed teeth and maintain aesthetics.
- Bridge Placement: Once your custom bridge is ready, it will be carefully placed and adjusted for comfort and fit. The bridge will be securely anchored to the supporting teeth.
- Final Adjustments: Your dentist will make any necessary final adjustments to ensure that your bite is comfortable, and your bridge functions properly.
- Oral Hygiene: Proper oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, are crucial to maintaining the longevity of your dental bridge and preventing future gum disease.
Why Choose DS Dental Studio for Dental Bridges?
At DS Dental Studio in Westfield, London, we offer exceptional dental bridge services with a focus on excellence and patient satisfaction. Our highly experienced dental team specialises in restorative dentistry, ensuring that your treatment is in capable hands. We take pride in providing personalised solutions, tailored to your unique needs, whether you require a traditional bridge or an implant-supported one.
Equipped with state-of-the-art dental technology, we prioritise precision, efficiency, and your comfort throughout the procedure. With a patient-centric approach, we prioritise your well-being, offering a comprehensive range of dental services, a proven track record, a comfortable environment, transparent communication, and a convenient Westfield location for easy access to quality dental care—all reasons to choose DS Dental Studio for your dental bridge needs.
What Our Patients Say
Multilingual
In addition to English, at the practice we can speak to you in:
✅ Arabic
✅ Mandarin
✅ Spanish
✅ Portuguese
✅ Ukrainian
✅ Romanian
✅ Urdu
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Our Location
We are conveniently located at 📍Unit 201a, Westfield, Ariel Way, London W12 7GA📍Reaching us for dental crowns is straightforward. You’ll find us along Wood Lane, on the outside aspect of Westfield London at Street Level. We are halfway between Shepherds Bush Market and Wood Lane tube stations.
By Underground
DS Dental Studio is minutes away from four tube stations:
- Wood Lane (Hammersmith & City Line and Circle Line)
- Shepherds Bush Market (Hammersmith & City Line and Circle Line)
- White City (Central Line)
- Shepherds Bush (Central Line)
By Rail
Shepherds Bush Station is a short walk from DS Dental Studio. Served by London Overground, and Southern with convenient connections at Clapham Junction for journeys from further afield.
By Car
Easy parking availability at Westfield London Car Park, on Ariel Way. We are easily signposted from the A40, and if you are using a Sat Nav, use the postcode W12 7SL. Free parking is available for blue badge holders in the middle level car park.
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