One of the most reliable and predictable ways to replace a missing tooth is with a Fixed Bridge.
A highway bridge has supports on either end that hold up a length of roadway across a space.

Like highway bridge supports, the teeth which hold up the dental bridge are called Abutments. 
The space between the abutments on a highway bridge is called the span.  In a dental bridge the span is made up of false teeth called Pontics.

The dentist prepares the teeth in the shape of a cone - smaller on the biting side and larger at the gums.  The Fixed Bridge is slipped on over the tapered abutment teeth and cemented into place.

The bridge is cemented in place so it remains in your mouth all the time.  You clean it like you do your own teeth with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss. Fixed bridges are made with metal frameworks in the center for strength. Porcelain is baked over the metal so the color and contour of the bridge looks like natural teeth. This bridge was intentionally stained to match the color of the rest of the patient's teeth.  The bridge can be made in just about any color the patient likes.

Last modified: 05/03/04