For patients in South Africa

Dental bridges in Turkey from South Africa: what to weigh up first

A dental bridge fills a gap left by one or more missing teeth with a fixed replacement. It is quicker than an implant and avoids surgery, but it relies on the teeth either side, which usually have to be filed down. This page explains the options, the trade-offs and how to plan treatment in İzmir from South Africa.

What a bridge is

A bridge is a fixed replacement for one or more missing teeth. The new tooth is joined to supports on either side of the gap, either your own teeth (which are crowned) or implants. Unlike a denture, it stays in place and is not taken out for cleaning.

Our main dental bridges page has more detail. The main types are:

• Conventional fixed bridge: the teeth either side are filed down and crowned to carry the new tooth
• Cantilever bridge: supported from one side only, used in limited situations because that tooth carries more load
• Resin-bonded bridge: held by thin wings fixed to the back of the neighbouring teeth, with less tooth removed, but not suited to every bite
• Implant-supported bridge: carried by dental implants instead of natural teeth, which needs enough bone and a separate surgical stage

Bridge, implant or denture

These solve the same problem in different ways. An implant replaces the root as well as the tooth and leaves the neighbours alone. A denture is removable. A bridge is fixed but depends on the teeth that hold it, and preparing those teeth cannot be undone. Which suits you depends on how many teeth are missing, the state of the neighbouring teeth, your bone and gums, and what you are willing to maintain. The dentist should explain why one is proposed, including the option of leaving the gap.

What the treatment involves

The dentist examines the gap, checks the supporting teeth and gums, and takes the imaging needed. The supporting teeth are prepared under local anaesthetic, a scan or impression is taken, and a temporary bridge is usually fitted while the permanent one is made. At the fitting the dentist checks fit, bite and appearance before cementing it. Bridges are made in the same materials as dental crowns.

A bridge can often be fitted in one trip, but the number of visits depends on your case. Your written plan should state how many appointments you need and how long to stay in İzmir. Leave a spare day after fitting in case the bite needs adjusting before the ten-hour flight home.

Risks to understand

• Filing down the supporting teeth is permanent, and they may become sensitive or need root canal treatment later
• Decay can start where the bridge meets the tooth, and gum disease around the supports can undermine the whole bridge
• A bridge does not stop bone shrinking under the gap, so a space can appear beneath the false tooth over time
• If a supporting tooth fails, the bridge usually has to be replaced rather than repaired
• There is no fixed lifespan; it depends on cleaning, your bite, grinding and the health of the supporting teeth

Looking after a bridge in South Africa

Ordinary floss cannot pass under the false tooth, so use a floss threader, interdental brush or water flosser. Book regular check-ups with a dentist at home, and take back a written record of the bridge, the material and your X-rays. Crowns and restorations are covered by our treatment guarantee for one year from fitting, excluding problems caused by smoking, poor hygiene, accidents or treatment by another provider. The dentists are listed on clinic facts, and our complaints page explains how problems are handled. South African medical schemes generally do not cover elective treatment abroad, so check with your scheme, and remember that standard travel insurance usually excludes planned treatment abroad.

What we will not do

We will not prepare healthy teeth for a bridge without explaining the alternatives, start without a written plan naming the dentist, or rush the fitting to suit a flight.

Frequently asked questions

Is a bridge better than an implant?

Neither is better in general. An implant leaves the neighbouring teeth untouched and keeps the bone, but needs surgery and enough bone. A bridge avoids surgery and is quicker, but depends on the supporting teeth.

Can a bridge be fitted in one trip from South Africa?

Often, yes, but it depends on your case. Your written plan should state the number of visits and how long to stay before you book flights.

Does fitting a bridge hurt?

The supporting teeth are prepared under local anaesthetic. Some sensitivity afterwards is common and usually settles; tell the treating team if it does not.

What decides the cost of a bridge?

The number of teeth, the type of bridge and material, any treatment needed first, and what the package includes. A firm figure is only possible after an assessment.

How long does a bridge last?

There is no fixed lifespan. It depends on the supporting teeth, your gums, your bite and how well you clean under and around the bridge.

Start with a free online consultation. Planning the trip? Read the guide for South African patients and the e-Visa guide.