26 Jul
What You Should Know Before Getting a Dental Bridge
A dental bridge is a type of false tooth that can help restore your smile. If you have missing teeth, Lifetime Family Dental can help you determine whether you should get a dental bridge or if a different treatment option will be best for you. Read on to learn more about the procedure, cost, maintenance, and lifespan of a bridge.
Should I Get a Dental Bridge?
If you have a missing tooth, and the teeth next to it are still healthy, a dental bridge might be the best option for tooth replacement. A dental bridge is a type of dental restoration that is made up of a false tooth fused between two porcelain crowns. The false tooth, also known as a pontic, replaces your missing tooth. The two porcelain crowns attach to the teeth on either side of the gap, holding the pontic in place.
Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Dental Bridge
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
A dental bridge procedure takes more than one appointment to complete. Your first visit involves shaping the surrounding teeth for crowns and taking an impression of them to ensure a custom fit. You may need a temporary bridge to protect your teeth while the lab makes the permanent bridge. At your second appointment, your dentist will replace the temporary bridge with the permanent one.
Is the Procedure Painful?
Because a local anesthetic is used during both appointments, you won’t feel any pain. However, it is normal to feel a little sore after the procedure, while your mouth adjusts to the new bridge. This pain should disappear in a few days, but if it lasts longer than a week contact your dentist right away.
How Do You Keep a Dental Bridge Clean?
Just like the rest of your teeth, it is important to keep your dental bridge clean. Eliminating plaque from your mouth through brushing and flossing will help prevent the pain and decay caused by harmful bacteria. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your bridge and the rest of your teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day.
You must also gently floss between your teeth and the dental bridge as well as between the bridge base and your gums each day. Although you can use traditional string floss, you may find a water flosser to be more comfortable.
How Long Does a Dental Bridge Last?
As long as you take good care of your dental bridge, it can be a long-lasting solution for missing teeth. Dental bridges can last up to 7 years with the proper care. However, dental bridges are not permanent, and won’t last long if you have poor oral hygiene habits or eat a lot of hard, crunchy foods like nuts, or chew on ice.
How Much Does a Dental Bridge Cost?
Dental bridges are an affordable type of dental restoration and are covered by many dental insurances. You can expect a bridge to cost between $500 and $1,200 per tooth. While a bridge isn’t necessarily cheap, it is a more affordable option compared to implants.
A single dental implant can cost up to $3,000—however, there are many other factors besides cost to consider when deciding between dental implants and bridges. For instance, dental implants are a far more permanent solution than dental bridges, so it’s important to consult your dentist to determine the best option for replacing your missing tooth.
Dental Bridges in Gilbert, Arizona
Still not sure if you should get a dental bridge? At Lifetime Family Dental in Gilbert, we’d be happy to answer any questions you have about dental bridges at your next appointment. If you’re looking to restore your smile, schedule a consultation with us by calling 480-558-4331 today. We’ll take a look at your mouth and help you determine the best solution for replacing your missing teeth.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (7/26/2022). Photo by Matthew Ye on Unsplash