What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are specially designed prosthetics to replace missing teeth. The bridge is anchored to the adjacent teeth or a dental implant to fill the gap and restore functionality.
Are Dental Bridges the Right Solution?
Eat and Chew Properly
Missing teeth make it difficult to enjoy food. A dental bridge restores the structure of your mouth so you can eat comfortably and not feel restricted.
Prevent Further Dental Problems
When you lose a tooth, the surrounding teeth shift from the proper position – leading to issues with your bite and alignment. A dental bridge keeps your teeth in place to avoid issues down the road.
Maintain Facial Shape
Your teeth have a large impact on the shape of your face. Dental bridges are designed to preserve your face’s structure if you lose a tooth – and prevent a sunken look.
The Process to Get a Dental Bridge
01
Consultation
We’ll start by conducting a thorough examination of your mouth – which may include X-rays – to determine if a dental bridge is the best solution for you.
02
Preparation
Dr. Vu will reshape your teeth by removing a portion of the enamel from the surrounding teeth to make room for the crown.
03
Create a Temporary Bridge
The temporary bridge is used to protect the surrounding teeth and gums.
04
Fabricate the Bridge
Your custom dental bridge will be created in a lab – a process that can take several weeks.
05
Fit & Adjust
Dental bridges do not always fit perfectly at first. We may need to make small adjustments to make it work.
06
Cement the Bridge in Place
Once the dental bridge fits properly, we’ll cement it in place to blend seamlessly into your mouth.
07
Follow Up
We will recommend a follow-up appointment to make sure the dental bridge is comfortable and is doing its job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dental bridges painful?
Getting a dental bridge is typically not a painful procedure. We will numb the area around the abutment teeth to prevent any discomfort during the preparation and fitting stages. There may be mild soreness or sensitivity after the procedure, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.
How many teeth are needed for a bridge?
A dental bridge generally requires two healthy teeth on either side of the gap. These teeth will hold the crowns that anchor the bridge. The number of missing teeth being replaced by the bridge can vary, but a traditional dental bridge can span one to three missing teeth. For larger gaps, you may need an implant-supported bridge.
Is a bridge cheaper than an implant?
A dental bridge is typically a cheaper option than a dental implant. The cost of dental bridges depends on the materials used and the complexity of the procedure. Implants involve surgery to place a post in the jawbone, followed by a crown, which makes the process more expensive.
Do teeth rot under the bridge?
Teeth may experience decay under a dental bridge if you skip dental hygiene. The area needs regular brushing and flossing to prevent plaque buildup – and you may need special flossing tools or interdental brushes to help clean under the bridge. Regular dental check-ups are essential to ensure the bridge and the supporting teeth remain healthy and to address any signs of decay.
Do bridges feel like real teeth?
Dental bridges are designed to feel like natural teeth, providing a comfortable fit and normal function for chewing and speaking. Some patients experience a brief adjustment period, but most adapt quickly.
Do they put you to sleep for a dental bridge?
Typically, you are not put to sleep for a dental bridge procedure. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area so you do not feel pain during the preparation and fitting process. General anesthesia – which puts you to sleep – is rarely necessary for dental bridges.
Schedule Your Appointment
Talk to the Dental House today.