Dental Bridges

A dental bridge tooth replacement procedure can offer many benefits to help improve your oral health and quality of life. Some of these benefits include:

• Not needing to be removed to be cleaned like dentures
• Providing a natural-looking aesthetic
• Being a faster, more convenient dental restoration than implants
• Preventing your surrounding teeth from shifting into the space from the missing tooth

If the dentist determines that you’re a good candidate for a fixed bridge, the process of placing the permanent bridge will take place over the course of two appointments. At your first appointment, the dentist will prepare the surrounding teeth for their crowns by removing a very small amount of enamel from their surface. Next, they will create a digital image of your mouth to send to the dental lab where your fixed bridge will be fabricated. In the meantime, you will use a temporary bridge until your permanent one is complete. Once the permanent bridge is finished, you’ll come in for your second appointment where it will be placed.

When properly cared for, it’s not uncommon for dental bridges to last several decades. The best way to keep your dental bridge in good condition for the long haul is to practice good oral health habits regularly at home. These include:

• Brushing your teeth two times a day
• Flossing daily (It’s important to floss all around your bridge, including by your gumline. Using a special floss threader may be helpful to keep debris from collecting underneath your bridge)
• Visiting the dentist every six months for checkups and professional cleanings

Many dental insurance policies will cover at least part of the cost of dental bridges. For more information on what your dental insurance coverage includes, please contact our office.