Dental Bridges Patient Information

This information serves to help you come to an informed decision in regards to your dental treatment.

Please note side effects and complications are uncommon to rare and we at Smile Cliniq would hope our rate is even less than the norm, due to the techniques and materials we use.  Also bear in mind the complications are no different to any crowns, bridges and deep fillings you may have had previously, it’s just you are now aware of them.

Please also note Bridges are covered by our 5 years guarantee (unless otherwise stated), see below:

Dental Bridges are normally recommended for missing teeth

What are my options?

1. Do nothing! Leave and monitor the gap

Advantages:

• No treatment or cost

Disadvantages:

• Underlying problem such as the gap, will not disappear
• Adjacent teeth and opposing teeth may move into gap, causing occlusal (bite) problems
• Aesthetic problems
• Possibly difficulty in eating as less teeth are present
• Increased occlusal loading (bite force) of remaining teeth

2. A Denture

Advantages:

• More cost effective

Disadvantages:

• Removable
• Loosens over time
• Does not preserve bone
• May alter speech
• Not as strong
• May not be able to eat hard, sticky foods

3. A Dental Implant

Advantages:

• Fixed in place
• Does not involve drilling adjacent teeth
• Preserves bone
• Excellent long term survival rates

Disadvantages:

• Cost – higher initial cost than dentures and bridges
• Need for surgery

4. A Dental Bridge

Advantages:

• Fixed in place
• Slightly more cost effective than an implant, however in long run implant will be more cost effective as it does not damage adjacent teeth, which then do not need treatment at a later date.

Disadvantages:

• Need to drill adjacent teeth
• Risk of needing a root canal treatment on these teeth
• Does not preserve bone structure
• May de-bond or de-cement in time (with further fees payable after the first year)

I UNDERSTAND that treatment of dental conditions requiring FIXED BRIDGEWORK includes certain risks and possible unsuccessful results. Even though care and diligence is exercised in the treatment of conditions requiring crown and bridgework and fabrication of same, there are no promises or guarantees of anticipated results or the longevity of the treatment. Nevertheless, I agree to assume the risks, possible unsuccessful results and/or failure associated with, but not limited to the following:

Reduction of tooth structure: In order to replace decayed or otherwise traumatized teeth it is necessary to modify the existing tooth or teeth so that crowns (caps) and/or bridges may be placed upon them. Tooth preparation will be done as conservatively as possible, but is irreversible in nature.

De-bonding of Bridge: With newer adhesive materials, we are able to bond bridge to teeth.  This means we do not have to reduce as much tooth structure from adjacent teeth, which conserves tooth structure and decreases the risk of any future complications and treatment on these teeth, but means the bridge may de-bond or fall off.  If this happens, we merely re-bond it!  In the first year this is free of charge treatment, if this happens afterwards further fees are applicable.

Local Anaesthesia: In order to reduce tooth structure without causing undue pain during the procedure, it may be necessary to administer local anaesthetic. Very occasionally, such administration may cause reactions or side effects which include, but are not limited to, bruising, hematoma, cardiac stimulation, temporary or, rarely permanent numbness of the tongue, lips, teeth, jaws and/or facial tissues, and muscle soreness.

Sensitivity of teeth: Often, after the preparation of teeth for the reception of bridges, the teeth may exhibit sensitivity, which can range from mild to severe. This sensitivity may last only for a short period of time or may last for much longer periods. If sensitivity is persistent, you should notify us so that the cause of the sensitivity may be diagnosed.

Bridge abutment teeth may require root canal treatment subsequently: Teeth after being crowned may develop a condition known as pulpitis or pulpal degeneration. Usually, this cannot be predetermined. The tooth or teeth may have been traumatized from an accident, deep decay, extensive preparation, or other causes. It is often necessary to do root canal treatments in these teeth, particularly if teeth remain appreciably sensitive for a long period of time following crowning.  The risk of the tooth needing a root canal treatment is roughly one in five or 20%.

Breakage: Crowns and bridges may possibly chip or break. Many factors can contribute to this situation such as chewing excessively hard materials, changes in biting forces exerted, traumatic blows to the mouth, etc. Unobservable cracks may develop in crowns from these causes, but crowns/bridges may not actually break until chewing soft foods, or for no apparent reason. Breakage or chipping seldom occurs due to defective materials or construction unless it occurs soon after placement.

Uncomfortable or strange feeling: This may occur because of the differences between natural teeth and the artificial replacements. Most patients usually become accustomed to this feeling in time. Very occasionally, muscle soreness or tenderness of the jaw joints (TMJ) may persist for indeterminable periods of time following placement of the crown or bridgework.

Aesthetics or appearance: Patients will be given the opportunity to observe the appearance of crowns or bridges in their mouths prior to final cementation. If satisfactory, this fact will be acknowledged and recorded. You can be involved in the shade taking along with the dentist and you may be offered the opportunity to see the technician who makes the restoration for final shade taking.

Longevity of crowns and dental bridges: There are many variables that determine “how long” crowns and bridges can be expected to last. Among these are some of the factors mentioned in preceding paragraphs. In addition, general health, good oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, diet, etc., can affect longevity. Because of this, no guarantees can be made or assumed to be made concerning how long crown and bridgework will last.

It is the patient’s responsibility to seek attention from the dentist should any undue or unexpected problems occur. The patient must diligently follow any and all instructions, including the scheduling and attending of all appointments.

INFORMED CONSENT: I have been given the opportunity to ask any questions regarding the nature and purpose of crowns and bridges and have received answers to my satisfaction. I do voluntarily assume any and all possible risks, including the risk of  harm, if any, which may be associated with any phase of this treatment in hopes of obtaining the desired and/or any results from the treatment to be rendered to me. The fee(s) for these services have been explained to me and I accept them as satisfactory. By signing this form, I am freely giving my consent to the dentist in rendering any services he/she deems necessary or advisable to treatment of my dental conditions, including the administration and/or prescribing of any anaesthetic agents and/or medications.

5 Year Guarantee includes any fracture of crown, onlay, large fillings and  bridge work, but does not include, failure due to underlying tooth fracture, secondary decay, trauma or accidental damage or fracture caused by inappropriate use (opening bottles) or de bonding (loosening) or subsequent need for root canal treatment.  Also it is only valid for patients who attend bi-annually for examination appointments, to ensure there are no aggravating factors, gum disease, excessive force or plaque and food trapping