How is the gap bridged?
An artificial tooth, the pontic, is connected to supporting parts. In a tooth-supported bridge, suitable neighbouring teeth act as the abutments.
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How does a bridge support a replacement tooth?
A dental bridge fills a gap with an artificial tooth, called a pontic. It is supported by suitable neighbouring teeth or implants. A fixed bridge cannot be removed by the patient for cleaning.
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An artificial tooth fills the gap
The pontic sits where a tooth is missing. It is connected to the supporting parts of the bridge and has no natural tooth root of its own.
Abutments support the restoration
In a conventional tooth-supported bridge, prepared neighbouring teeth act as supports, or abutments. Other bridges can be supported by implants. The supporting structures must be suitable.
The entire restoration needs care
Care extends beyond the visible pontic. The abutments and junctions are checked too. The practice explains which cleaning methods suit the particular bridge design.
At a glance
What conditions are needed?
The abutments, gap length and biting forces must suit the design. Under suitable conditions, a bridge can also replace several missing teeth.
What do treatment and care involve?
With a conventional tooth-supported bridge, the abutments are prepared for crowns. The fixed restoration then needs check-ups and suitable cleaning around the abutments and junctions.
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Often confused
Pontic or abutment?
The pontic replaces the missing tooth in the gap. The abutments support the bridge. In a tooth-supported bridge, these are natural teeth.
Quick answers
Do neighbouring teeth need to be reshaped for a bridge?
For a conventional tooth-supported bridge, the abutment teeth are usually prepared for crowns. Other designs have different requirements.
Is a bridge the same as an implant?
No. A bridge is the restoration that spans a gap. An implant sits in the jaw and can serve as a support for replacement teeth.
Can a bridge replace several missing teeth?
In principle, yes. The length of the gap, biting forces and available abutments limit which design is suitable.
At the practice
For your consultation
A question to discuss with Dr. med. dent. Niusha Barahmand Pour:
Which teeth or implants could support a bridge across the gap, and how could I clean it afterwards?
Her planning considers the existing structures and their function together. Options are discussed on the basis of the examination.
If you have a missing tooth, we can discuss whether a bridge suits the conditions in your mouth.
Book a dental bridge consultationChoose an appointment on DoctolibLearning for dental trainees & teamsUnderstand clinical terms and build your knowledge
Build on the simple explanation with clinical terms, key distinctions and a knowledge question.
- Pontic
- An artificial tooth within a bridge that fills the gap.
- Abutment
- A natural tooth or implant that supports a bridge.
- Bridge retainer
- The part that attaches the bridge to its abutment; usually a crown in a conventional tooth-supported bridge.
Know the difference
Tooth-supported and implant-supported describe the supports. Fixed means the patient cannot remove the restoration themselves.
Sources for further learning
Sources and context
Editorial research: 22 October 2026. This explanation covers general principles and does not replace a personal examination. Suitable treatment is discussed following individual assessment.