What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a permanent prosthesis that is used to replace a missing tooth. A dental bridge uses the teeth on either side of a missing tooth to support and secure the bridge in place.
Who is a candidate for a dental bridge?
If you are missing one or multiple teeth and want to replace the teeth with a permanent solution, a dental bridge may be a good option for you. To be a candidate for a dental bridge, you must have a strong and stable tooth on both sides of the missing tooth to anchor to.
How much does a dental bridge cost?
This procedure will cost around $1100 per tooth. For example, if you are missing 1 tooth, your dentist may require three teeth to use as anchors. In this example, a dental bridge may cost around $4,400 since there will be three anchor teeth and one missing tooth.
How does it stay in place?
It stays in place by securing to the teeth in front and in back of the missing tooth. This is secured by a dental cement or a dental adhesive.
Can a dental bridge get a cavity?
Since a tooth bridge is supported by your natural teeth, the answer is yes. The tooth structure underneath the dental bridge is susceptible to cavities. However, with proper oral hygiene and frequent/consistent visits to your dentist in Coral Springs, this should not be an issue. If you follow good oral hygiene home care then it is unlikely for a tooth bridge to develop a cavity underneath it.
What is it made out of?
The material that a dental bridge is made out of can vary. The most common materials are metal/alloy, zirconium, porcelain fused to metal, emax porcelain.
Do you need teeth for this procedure?
A tooth bridge can also be secured to implants. This is called an implant supported bridge. In this scenario, a surgeon places a minimum of two implants and the bridge is supported by the abutments that attach to the implants.
What can I eat after the procedure?
A well-made dental bridge can last up to 15 years and can be very sturdy. It is possible to eat almost anything after the procedure. However, the average lifespan of a tooth bridge is around 10-15 years. It is important for you to visit your Coral Springs dentist regularly to have your dentist evaluate your dental hygiene to make sure that it is not coming loose or developing any cavities around it.
What is the process of making a dental bridge?
Your Coral Springs dentist will first meet you and make an assessment to determine if you are a candidate for this procedure. If you are a candidate for a temporary dental bridge or permanent dental bridge then the office staff will review the financials with you. Once you agree to proceed with the procedure, the dentist will anesthetize the area so you will be very numb and not feel any pain. The dentist will prepare the teeth for the bridge and then will take an impression.
After the impression is taken, the dentist will cement a temporary crown or bridge on the teeth to protect the teeth while your bridge is being made in a dental lab. This initial visit typically takes 1-2 hours. The lab will fabricate the bridge and will follow the instructions of the dentist. The last and final visit will be for the dentist to cement the bridge in place. The dentist will remove the temporary crowns and will try the bridge in and adjust it. Once it is adjusted, the dentist will cement it permanently. After it is cemented permanently the dentist will inspect it and adjust the bite. It is important to maintain many follow up appointment to make sure your bridge is secure and that there are no cavities forming underneath it. For more information about dental bridge replacement or back and front teeth bridge replacement, Please feel free to contact us at (954) 738-1398.