Dental Bridge
What is a dental bridge?
A bridge is a custom-made replacement for one or more missing teeth. It is a tooth replacement option that literally “bridges the gap” created by the loss of natural teeth. Artificial teeth (known as pontics) are attached to crowns that cover the existing permanent teeth located adjacent to the space created by the missing teeth. A bridge appears to be individual teeth, but in reality, all the teeth of a bridge are connected.
Bridges can be fabricated from the same materials as single tooth crowns. These materials are gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination of materials. Porcelain bridges are often bonded to precious or non-precious metal.
With proper care, the lifespan of a bridge is 10-20 years. Typically, two office visits are required to prepare, complete, and fit a permanent bridge.
What is the procedure for getting a dental bridge?
- During the initial bridge visit, the dentist will prepare your teeth by removing the appropriate amounts of your teeth to create space for your new bridge. A bridge preparation is designed to allow the new bridge to slide over the remaining natural tooth structure of the supporting teeth after preparation has been completed.
- After the teeth has been prepared by the dentist, the assistant will place a small piece of gingival cord (like a tiny shoelace) around the teeth to help push the gum tissue away from the teeth to create a small amount of space for the impression material.
- The dentist will then place impression material (a putty-like material) around the prepared teeth. This impression (or mold) will allow the lab to fabricate the bridge for a precise fit.
- A temporary bridge will be fabricated and fitted to protect your tooth and gums until the permanent bridge has been fabricated. It usually takes the lab about 3 weeks to have the bridge fabricated and returned to the office for placement on the teeth.
- During the second visit (approx. 3 weeks after the initial visit), the dentist will remove your temporary bridge and fit your permanent bridge to your tooth. The dentist will then cement it permanently to the supporting teeth.
My first visit was for an exam and cleaning, my hygienist Alisa was amazing, I’m very anxious about my dental visits and she was so gentle and very understanding. I already have my next cleaning scheduled. She was amazing and I have already recommended her to 5 friends.
My 2nd visit was to get a filling and crown. Alyine was so reassuring and checking if I was ok. She let me know step by step what was going on. Super gentle as well and made sure I was comfortable.
I will definitely be making future appointments and recommending family and friends for their dental care needs.
Erica Medina Albrecht