Bridge preparation??

Question

I am having my teeth prepared for a traditional Maryland bridge tomorrow (for 1 tooth) . What does this involve? Will I need an injection?

Answer 1

*edit* i take back my original response. i guess i didn't think of a Masryland bridge as being 'traditional'.

i agree with the below poster.

http://www.aurumgroup.com/english/aurumceramicclassic/crownbridge/marylandbridge.stm

Answer 2

Hi there. You have definately opted for the best option having a maryland bridge as it is far less destructive to the teeth and requires minimal preparation. It consists of the false tooth which will be used to fill the gap and a wing attatched to it which will stick on the back of the tooth next to the gap. They will need to drill the back of the supporting tooth literally just mm's into the enamel so the wing fits and your bite is not high so unless you have very sensitive teeth you should not require any anesthetic unless you would like to for peace of mind. For such minimal preparation most people prefer not to be numb for hours afterwards. After preparing the tooth they will take an upper and lower impression send that off to the laboratory and your new tooth will arrive in approx 2 weeks! Hope this helps.

Answer 3

HELLO MICHELE,

THIS IS A GOOD QUESTION.
A MARYLAND BRIDGE IS HELD BY SMALL RETENTION SHAPES PLACED ON OPPOSING TEETH RATHER THAN THE TRADITIONAL TOOTH PREPARATIONS WHICH MAKE THOSE TEETH INTO SMALL PEGS TO DO A TRADITIONAL 3-UNIT BRIDGE.

ADVANTAGES= TOOTH CONSERVATION OF RETAINER TEETH. IF NEEDED A STANDARD BRIDGE CAN THEN BE MADE.
DISADVANTAGES= LIKELIHOOD FOR MARYLAND BRIDGE TO LOOSEN WITH AGE.

MY OPINION IS THAT MARYLAND BRIDGES ARE AN OPTION IN WHICH THE PATIENT MUST KNOW ALL THE + AND - OF THE OPTION. I'VE REPLACED MARYLAND BRIDGES WITH STANDARD ONES FOR THIS REASON.