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Cantilever Dental Bridge Treatment in Toronto

The purpose of a dental bridge is to fill in the gaps that are created by missing or lost teeth. Neglecting to fill in these gaps can lead to potentially detrimental oral health issues such as gum disease, tooth misalignment, and decay. There are many different types of dental bridge implants that dentists may employ depending on the type of damage they’re dealing with as well as the health and structural soundness of the surrounding teeth. If you have recently lost a tooth for one reason or another, then it’s extremely important that you seek the appropriate dental bridge treatment immediately. In some cases, cantilever dental bridges might be the right solution. Keep reading to learn more.

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What Is a Cantilever Dental Bridge?

In dentistry, a cantilever bridge is used to fill in gaps left behind by missing teeth. It can be made by porcelain infused metal, porcelain, or gold depending on the materials provided by your dental clinic or their affiliate labs. This type of bridge only attaches to neighbouring teeth on one side of the gap (abutment teeth) for support and to hold the pontic (the artificial tooth) in place.

Cantilever dental bridges are custom-made for each individual patient either in-house by the dentist if they have the equipment and materials or in a laboratory. First, your dentist will need to prepare the teeth and make a mould of the affected area in your dental structure. Then they’ll send that mould to their affiliate lab to manufacture the cantilever bridge. This process can take anywhere from one to two weeks and for that reason, multiple appointments may be necessary.

While you wait for your cantilever bridge to be manufactured, your dentist will place a temporary restoration to alleviate any sensitivity.

Why Might Your Dentist Recommend a Cantilever Bridge?

Your dentist might recommend installing a cantilever bridge if there are healthy teeth on only one side of the gap. That way, they can ensure that the bridge has a strong and reliable support system in place. The reason this procedure is used sparingly is because it involves placing the bridge overtop your adjacent healthy teeth. Adjacent teeth usually need to be shaved down or reshaped so that the pontics can rest comfortably in place.

What’s the Difference Between Cantilever and Traditional Dental Bridges?

The main difference between cantilever dental bridges and traditional dental bridges is the number of abutment teeth that are required to support the bridge and the health of the surrounding teeth.

As mentioned, cantilever bridges are only attached to teeth on one side of the gap. Traditional bridges, on the other hand, are attached to teeth on both sides of the gap. That means your dentist needs to ascertain that the teeth on both sides are healthy and strong enough to sustain the additional pressure of having artificially constructed teeth attached to them.

Traditional dental bridges require that teeth on both sides of the gap are shaved down and reshaped to fit perfectly with the pontic, which is fused with two crowns to secure it in position and protect the existing teeth from damages and decay. Bridges are custom-made for your specific dental needs and this procedure can also be used if you’re missing multiple teeth.

If the surrounding teeth on both sides are not sufficiently healthy to support this structure, then your dentist may opt to install an implant. Dental implants are surgically inserted directly into the jawbone.

What to Expect During a Cantilever Dental Bridge Procedure

First and foremost, your dentist will thoroughly examine the current state of your oral health. As long as the adjacent teeth on at least one side of the gap in your mouth are healthy, then you can have a cantilever bridge placed. Your dentist will need to clean out any and all signs of decay before beginning the procedure. Otherwise, it’ll just get stuck under the bridge and continue wreaking havoc on your oral health.

Typically, this procedure requires a minimum of two dental visits. One will be to examine and prepare the affected area for the bridge and take a mould of your oral cavity. The other is to test out the fit and bite of the cantilever bridge itself. Your dentist will need to reshape the surrounding teeth to which the bridge will be affixed and before permanently attaching it, they’ll make sure that the fit and bite are appropriate. Once your dentist is fully confident that the bridge fits in correctly within the rest of your oral cavity, they’ll secure it in place with a bonding agent.

The Benefits of a Cantilever Dental Bridge

Cantilever bridges are designed to repair and restore your ability to eat comfortably, fix the quality and structure of your bite, and give you back a beautiful and healthy smile. They also prevent your other teeth from shifting around and causing misalignment. Aside from restoring your confidence in your smile, cantilever bridges can also prevent you from having to undergo potentially invasive and costly dental procedures in the future.

The Cost of a Cantilever Bridge Procedure in Toronto

The cost of undergoing a cantilever bridge procedure in Toronto varies drastically from around $2,000 to upwards of $20,000 depending on the extent of the procedure, the types of repairs that need to be performed, and the materials that are used. If cost is a major issue that could stand in the way of you having the stunning smile you’ve always wanted, then you should discuss this with your dentist prior to undergoing the procedure.

Trust the Dentists at Princeview Dental Group!

As a staple in The Kingsway community for over 20 years, Princeview Dental Group is here to address all of your oral healthcare needs. From installing dental bridges to performing emergency dental procedures, our staff is here to tend to your needs and answer all of your oral health-related questions. To learn more about our practice or schedule an appointment, contact us today!

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