Is it possible to use a broken tooth as abument for a bridge?

Question

I lost both of my lower first molars a few years back. Now, I am considering having a bridge to fill the gaps. However, both of my second pre molars are damaged by cavities, and thus are mostly hollow (currently I had them filled). Both of my second molars are fine though. As I looked at pictures on how bridges are created, I'm wondering if my hollow second pre molars can be used as abutments, or should I expect my dentist to do a different procedure?

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

Dental bridges, whether metal, porcelain, or a combination, require solid teeth on each side of a missing tooth to act as an anchor.  If one tooth isn't "perfect" then one option is to "double abut" or have 2 teeth act as one anchor.  The fee for this may make a dental implant a cheaper alternative, and perhaps a better choice.

Paul D. Kantor, DDS · Answer

Teeth with large fillings are often used for bridge
abutments, as long as they are in good condition. I would see an oral surgeon
for a dental implant consultation before deciding, however. Dental implants are
much more conservative than large bridges. If part of a large bridge ever
fails, the entire bridge must be replaced, if an implant fails, you only
replace the implant.

Rachana Vora, DMD · Answer

Yes, a broken tooth can be used as an abutment for a bridge in most instances, as long as the tooth ( your second premolar) is not completely non-restorable or broken beyond repair. Another alternative to replace your missing lower first molar would be to to consider placing a dental implant. The advantage of a dental implant versus a bridge is that we do not require to use the adjacent teeth as abutments. Hope this answers your question.

Is it possible to use a broken tooth as abument for a bridge?

Answers (3)