Replacing a Missing Tooth with a Zirconia Dental Bridge

This patient had been missing a lower left molar (tooth #19) for many years and was unhappy with the appearance of an existing gold crown on the neighboring tooth. The gold crown had also developed decay around an open margin, while older amalgam fillings on the adjacent premolars were beginning to fail.

Because the tooth had been missing for an extended period, there was insufficient bone in the area for a dental implant. A dental bridge offered an alternative for replacing the missing tooth while addressing the compromised restorations.

The existing gold crown was removed, and teeth #18 and #20 were prepared to support a dental bridge. The failing amalgam filling on tooth #21 was replaced with a tooth-colored composite restoration.

A full-zirconia, metal-free dental bridge spanning teeth #18–20 was then placed, replacing the missing molar while restoring strength, function, and a more natural appearance to the area.