Planning Fixed Bridgework

Question 0

What aspects need to be considered with regards to the edentulous ridge?

Answer 0

1) Length of span
2) Ridge resorption
3) Interarch space
4) Overeruption of opposing teeth

Question 1

With regards to the status of abutment teeth, what aspects should be considered?

Answer 1

1) Past and present caries and restorative experience
2) Status of dental pulps and root filled teeth
3) Peridontal support
4) Occlusion/ parafunction

Question 2

What are the treatment options to replace missing teeth (for most cases)?

Answer 2

1) Nuil treatment
2) Resin bonded cast alloy
3) F-F PBM
4) FRC bridge
5) Implant and crown.

Question 3

What are the biomechanical considerations that need to be taken into account when planning for a bridge?

Answer 3

1) bridge span thickness
2) bridge flexure
3) Crown to root ratio of abutments (2:3 or 1:1 etc…)
4) Abutment root configuration
5) Root surface area

Question 4

When abutment teeth are tilted, what would be considered an appropriate angle between them?

Answer 4

20-35 degrees.

Question 5

What are some problems associated with tilted abutment teeth?

Answer 5

1) Destriuctive axial reduction to achieve common line of draw which may lead to a pulpal exposure
2) Overtapered non-retentive prep