Bridging the Gap, Reviving Mastication Function

Missing posterior teeth can lead to difficulties in food mastication and can have significant impacts on an individual's oral health and quality of life. In this case report, we present the successful treatment of a 35-year-old patient with a posterior missing tooth using porcelain fused to metal (PFM) bridge to restore mastication function.

The patient's chief complaint was difficulties in food mastication due to a missing tooth in the posterior region. Intra-oral examination revealed a missing tooth in the 46 region. Prior to the bridge design, the patient underwent oral prophylaxis, scaling, and dental radiology. The bridge design was a PFM bridge with a modified sanitary design. PFM was chosen for its excellent characteristics of resistance to mastication force and aesthetics compared to other materials such as all-ceramic or all-acrylic bridges. Tooth preparation was done with occlusal reduction of 2mm, while buccal and palatal were reduced by 1.5mm with shoulder end.

The PFM bridge successfully restored the mastication function with no negative effects on the surrounding tissues. The patient was satisfied with the result.

PFM bridges are a reliable and effective choice for restoring missing teeth, providing both biomechanical and esthetic benefits. This case report demonstrates the successful treatment of a posterior missing tooth using a PFM bridge, resulting in restored mastication function and patient satisfaction.

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