Is a 7 tooth zirconia bridge risky? I do not want implants or root canals.

Question

After many quotes the best permanent solution is a zirconia bridge with 1,5 and 6 supporting the missing 2,3,4,7. The dentist does emax but chose zirconia for strength Is a 7 tooth bridge hard to maintain & will it fail more quickly than a 3 tooth bridge? If the bridge fails, seems i would have a huge expense to replace or end up with partial dentures. With this solution, I would have only 5 natural teeth remaining on top without crowns or bridges.

Anthony Mobasser, DDS, DMD · Answer

Dental bridge can last a long time, the only reason a bridge can get loose or fail, is because the supporting teeth are weak! If 2 teeth holding a 7 unit bridge, meaning 5 teeth are missing, this is generally not a good idea! It all depends where in the mouth you are having this bridge! the bite and occlusion is a big factor, and the length of the roots and the bone supporting the anchor teeth is very important!Generally speaking it is not a great idea to support 5 missing teeth on 2 anchor teeth! It can also loosen the anchor teeth holding the bridge.Best,Dr Mobasser

Kourosh Maddahi, DDS · Answer

Hi:Anytime the number of missing teeth on a bridge is greater than the number of supporting teeth, the prognosis of the bridge will not be good.  However, I have also seen such bridges last as well.  Bite, pressure, diet also plays an important role on the longevity of the bridge.Best,Dr. Maddahi

Is a 7 tooth zirconia bridge risky? I do not want implants or root canals.

Answers (2)