What contraindicates bridge work in dentistry?

Bridge work in dentistry involves placing a fixed prosthesis to replace missing teeth supported by adjacent teeth, known as abutments. A long edentulous span, which refers to the distance between the teeth that are missing, presents a significant issue because it can lead to an increased load on the abutment teeth. The longer the span, the more strain will be put upon the supporting teeth, which can ultimately cause damage to them over time. This can result in complications such as fractures or periodontal problems in the supporting teeth, which compromises the longevity and functionality of the bridge.

When considering bridge work, it’s important to have a reliable foundation; therefore, a long span contradicts this principle by threatening the structural integrity of the entire dental restoration. Other factors, while they present challenges, are typically manageable with appropriate treatment approaches. For instance, periodontal disease can be treated, and tooth mobility can sometimes be addressed or adjusted through different methodologies, but a long edentulous span inherently poses a fundamental risk to the success of the bridge work.