Dangers of a Three Unit Bridge
A high speed drill irreversibly removes a significant amount of natural tooth structure. This prepares the teeth for a fitting of a fabricated three unit bridge that is cemented in place. However, bone loss soon occurs and plaque buildup is common above the margins of the crowns. The neighboring teeth lack adequate tooth structure which makes them weaker and more susceptible to tooth decay. Tooth decay leads to root canals and a root canal can eventually cause a tooth loss. The bridge can be repaired by the preparation of an additional tooth and the cementing of a four unit bridge. Additional bone loss occurs and there is still a danger of additional tooth decay and root canal disease that may lead to another failed bridge.
Dental implants avoid all of the negatives of a tooth supported bridge.
