DENTAL BRIDGES

TYPES

There are four types of dental bridges:

• Traditional fixed bridges: This is the most common type of dental bridge in which it includes two or more crowns and a pontic. The pontic is held in place by crowns cemented on each side of the gap’s abutment teeth. There can be more than one pontic depending on the number of missing teeth.
• Cantilever bridges: This is similar to the traditional fixed bridges, but this type only uses one crown cemented to only one abutment tooth. This type is seldom recommended.
• Maryland bonded bridges or resin-bonded bridges: The procedure is similar to a traditional fixed bridge, but this type adds support by using a porcelain or metal framework attached to the abutment teeth’ backs.
• Implant-supported dental bridge: This type uses dental implants instead of crowns. The dental implants are placed on each side of the gap, while the pontic sits in between. This is the most durable of two types of dental bridges. However, this can take several months before to be finished as it requires two surgeries– one to embed the implants, and another to place the bridge.

TREATMENT

Your dentist will prepare the abutment teeth by recontouring them to give a crown space over them. Next, dental impressions are made. A dental lab will manufacture your bridge, crown, and pontic following your dental ideas. While they are in progress, you will be given a temporary bridge to wear.

Your temporary bridge will be removed on your second visit, and the newly-made bridge will be checked and will be necessarily readjusted to attain a good fit. You will be required to visit multiple times to check the fit and bite. After all the necessary readjustments are made, your bridge will be put into place.

Cost

The costs of dental bridge depend on the type of bridge selected:

• Traditional or cantilever bridges: about $2,000 – $5,000
• Maryland bonded bridges: about $1,500 – $2,500
• Implant-supported bridge: about $5,000 – $15,000

Some factors can also affect the price of the procedure:

• Number of teeth needed to fill the space
• Materials for the false tooth or pontic
• The complexity of the placement
• Treatments for additional dental issues
• Area of the country

DIAGNOSIS

If by chance, your doctor has noticed some irregularities in the shape of your uterus, then he may suggest you undergo some tests to see your uterus has fibroids.

These are the following tests that your doctor may ask you to undergo:

• This is so to verify the situation of your uterus. It uses sound waves to check the condition of your uterus to diagnose it accurately. Besides, it locates and measures fibroids.
• Lab tests. If you’ve been experiencing abnormal menstrual bleeding, your doctor may ask you to have a CBC to determine if other body problems are not causing it. Such as anemia due to chronic blood loss and other bleeding disorders or thyroid problems.

These are some other tests that may be suggested by your doctor to collect more information further:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).This test shows much more detailed information on the size and location of any possible fibroids in your uterus, identifies various tumors and helps determine how to approach the treatment protocol. Lastly, MRI is also used for women with the larger uterus or those who are approaching menopause.
• Also known as a saline infusion sonogram. It captures the submucosal fibroids’ image and the uterus lining, which uses sterile saline to widen the uterine cavity. This test is recommended to women who are attempting to get pregnant or those who are experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding.
• This test helps check your fallopian tubes if they are open or are blocked, it also helps discover possible submucosal fibroids. Doctors also recommend this test if you are concerned about being infertile.
• This test examines your uterus walls and the opening of your fallopian tubes. It will be added inside your cervix going to your uterus by inserting a small, lighted telescope.

TREATMENTS

Thanks to today’s technological advancements, numerous treatment options are existing. It is best to go straight to your doctor to verify your condition. Due to womb growth being non-cancerous, and if you are not experiencing any signs or symptoms that might not interfere with your daily activities, observing your condition may be the best option.

Given time and when your menopausal stage has passed, making your levels of reproductive hormones drop, it is safe to say that you can wait for it to shrink and disappear.

Although, when your condition hardens, or you are experiencing severe symptoms, medications can be used to treat womb growth. Such as:

• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists. This mediation shrinks your fibroids and restricts the production of estrogen and progesterone. It is resulting in you into a temporary menopause-like state. This medication is advised to be used no more than 3 to 6 months; prolonged usage of this medication can cause bone loss.
• Progestin-releasing intrauterine device (IUD). This medication only helps relieve symptoms and heavy bleeding that were caused by fibroids. It also serves as a contraceptive.
• Tranexamic Acid.This medication is used mainly for those who are experiencing heavy bleeding, and when in taking this medicine, it is advised only on heavy bleeding days.