Bridgework

Question 1

Reasons for treating tooth loss

Answer 1

• aesthetics
• function
• speech
• maintenance of dental health

Question 2

tooth replacement options

Answer 2

denture
bridge
implants

Question 3

What is a bridge?

Answer 3

a prosthesis which replaces a missing tooth or teeth and is attached to one or more natural teeth (or implants)

Question 4

local indications for bridgework

Answer 4

big teeth
heavily restored teeth
favourable abutment angulations
favourable occlusion

Question 5

bridgework general contraindications

Answer 5

uncooperative patient
mh contraindications
poor OH
high caries rate
periodontal disease
large pulps (conventional bridge)

Question 6

local contraindications for bridgework

Answer 6

high possibility of further tooth loss within arch
prognosis of abutment poor
length of span too great
ridge form and tissue loss
tilting and rotation of teeth
peridontal status
bone loss
degree of restoration

Question 7

What is an abutment?

Answer 7

a tooth which serves as an attachment for a bridge

Question 8

what is a Pontic?

Answer 8

the artificial tooth which is suspended from the abutment tooth/teeth

Question 9

what are retainers in relation to bridgework

Answer 9

The extracoronal or intracoronal restorations that are connected to the pontic and cemented to the prepared abutment teeth

Question 10

what are connectors

Answer 10

component which connects the Pontic to the retainer

Question 11

What is the edentulous span?

Answer 11

Space between natural teeth that is to be filled by a bridge or partial denture

Question 12

define saddle

Answer 12

area of the edentulous ridge over which the Pontic will lie

Question 13

What is a unit?

Answer 13

either a retainer or a Pontic

Question 14

what is a pier?

Answer 14

an abutment tooth which stands between and is supporting 2 pontics, each being attached to a further abutment

Question 15

Fixed-fixed bridge

Answer 15

type of bridge has a retainer at each end with a Pontic in the middle, joined by ridge connectors
- can be adhesive/resin bonded
- conventions

Question 16

cantilever bridge

Answer 16

type of bridge which has a retainer (or retainers) at one side of the Pontic only
- can be resin bonded or conventional

Question 17

advantages of resin bonded bridges

Answer 17

minimal or no preparation
no la needed
less costly
less surgery time
can be used as a provisional restoration
if fails - usually less destructive than alternatives

Question 18

indications for resin bonded bridge

Answer 18

young teeth
- less destructive
good enamel quality
large surface area of abutment tooth
minimal occlusal load
good for single tooth replacement
simplify partial denture design

Question 19

resin bonded bridge disadvantages

Answer 19

rigorous clinical technique
metal shine-through
chipping porcelain
can debond
- high chance of debonding again occlusal interference
no trial period possible

Question 20

resin bonded bridge contraindications

Answer 20

insufficient or poor quality enamel
long spans
excess soft or hard tissue loss
heavy occlusal force e.g. bruxism
poorly aligned, tilted or spaced teeth
contact sports?