By the team at Mark Bilello, DDS. 5 min read
A traditional dental bridge usually takes two visits. At the first, the teeth on each side of the gap are numbed and shaped for crowns, records are taken, and you leave with a temporary. At the second, your new bridge is checked for fit and bite, then cemented in place. Afterward you brush, clean under the bridge every day and keep your regular checkups.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by joining a false tooth to supporting teeth or implants on each side of the gap. The American Dental Association (ADA) notes that a bridge is sometimes called a fixed partial denture, and that a fixed bridge can only be removed by a dentist.
There are four main types, and our bridges and dentures page describes each one:
- Traditional bridge: replaces one to three teeth and anchors to two crowned teeth.
- Cantilever bridge: attaches to only one crowned tooth for support.
- Maryland bridge: bonds to the back of the neighboring teeth with porcelain or metal bands instead of crowns, so the enamel is not prepared for crowns.
- Implant-supported bridge: attaches to one or more dental implants instead of natural teeth.
Is a bridge the right choice for your missing tooth?
A bridge can be a good fit when the teeth next to the gap are healthy enough to hold it. The ADA says a bridge’s success depends on its foundation, so the supporting teeth need to be strong. The American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) adds that, in the right situation, a fixed bridge is a reasonable alternative to an implant.
Dr. Bilello checks the teeth beside the gap, your gums and your bite before he suggests anything. If a bridge is not the best choice for you, he will talk through other options, such as a partial denture or an implant. A local oral surgeon places implant posts, and Dr. Bilello designs and fits the teeth that attach. Our post on dental bridges vs. dental implants compares the two in more detail.
What happens at each visit?
Because a traditional bridge is held by crowns, getting one works much like getting crowns. MedlinePlus, from the National Library of Medicine, says a crown usually takes two visits. Here is how that looks for a bridge:
| Visit | What happens | How long you wear it |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation | Exam, X-rays and a talk about your options | Not applicable |
| Visit 1: preparation | The supporting teeth are numbed and reshaped for crowns, an impression or scan is taken, and a temporary is placed | Until your bridge is ready |
| Visit 2: fitting | The temporary comes off, the bridge is tried in, your bite is checked, and the bridge is cemented | Your bridge stays in |
The false tooth in the middle of a bridge is called a pontic. The ACP explains that the false tooth is joined to the crowns, and the whole bridge is cemented to the prepared teeth. Your bridge is made to match the shape and shade of your other teeth.
If dental visits make you nervous, tell us when you book. The office offers numbing, laughing gas and oral sedation, and our patient comfort page explains each option.
How should you care for your temporary?
A temporary protects your prepared teeth while your bridge is made, but it is not as strong as the final one. MedlinePlus gives these tips for temporary crowns, and they apply to a temporary bridge too:
- Slide floss out to the side instead of lifting it up, which can pull the temporary loose.
- Avoid sticky foods such as caramels, gum, bagels and chewy bars.
- Chew on the other side of your mouth when you can.
Call us if your temporary comes off, your bite feels wrong, or you have pain that over-the-counter pain medicine does not relieve.
How do you clean under a dental bridge?
You clean a bridge by brushing it like your natural teeth and cleaning under the false tooth every day. Plaque can collect in the space between the pontic and your gums, and our office notes that people with bridges are more likely to develop gum disease, so this step matters.
- Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean under the bridge once a day. An interdental brush or a water flosser can reach that space. The ADA notes that a water flosser can help people with bridges reach every spot.
- Keep your six-month checkups and cleanings so your hygienist can clean the areas that are hard to reach at home.
The ACP says special aids are made to keep bridges clean. Ask our hygienists to show you which tool works best for your bridge.
How long does a dental bridge last?
Bridges typically last 10 to 15 years or longer, according to our bridges and dentures page. How long yours lasts depends a lot on the supporting teeth. MedlinePlus notes that a tooth under a crown can still get a cavity, so daily cleaning and regular checkups protect both the bridge and the teeth that hold it.
Habits matter too. Avoid chewing ice or using your teeth to open packages. If you grind your teeth at night, ask Dr. Bilello whether a night guard makes sense for you.
When should you see a dentist about a missing tooth or a bridge?
See a dentist when a tooth is lost or has to be removed, so you can talk about replacing it before the gap affects how you chew. Call sooner if you notice any of these with an existing bridge:
- The bridge feels loose or moves when you bite.
- Your gums around the bridge bleed, swell or feel sore.
- A supporting tooth aches or is sensitive to hot or cold.
- Your bite feels different, or the porcelain has chipped.
At your visit, Dr. Bilello looks at the bridge, the supporting teeth and your gums, and he takes X-rays if they are needed. He follows an ultra-conservative approach, so he only recommends the work you need. You can read about every option on our bridges and dentures page.
FAQ
Does getting a dental bridge hurt?
The supporting teeth are numbed before they are shaped, so you should feel pressure rather than pain. Your teeth and gums may feel sore or sensitive for a short time afterward. If you feel anxious, ask about the comfort options the office offers.
Can a dental bridge be taken out?
A fixed bridge cannot be taken out at home. The ADA says only a dentist can remove a fixed bridge. If you want something you can take out to clean, a removable partial denture is another option to ask about.
How many teeth can a bridge replace?
A traditional bridge usually replaces one to three teeth in a row. If more teeth are missing, a partial denture or implant-supported teeth may suit you better. Dr. Bilello will explain what fits your mouth.
Does insurance cover a dental bridge?
Coverage depends on your plan. Ask your insurer what your plan pays toward a bridge, and ask our team for an estimate before treatment. The office also offers financing through CareCredit.
Missing a tooth and wondering about a bridge? Mark Bilello, DDS is at 399 Bayou Gardens Blvd in Houma, LA, open Monday to Thursday, 7 AM to 3 PM. Call (985) 872-9470 or request an appointment.
