Dental Bridges: A Fixed Option for Replacing Missing Teeth

Why Replace a Missing Tooth?

Some people become accustomed to an open space and wonder whether the missing tooth really needs to be replaced. The answer depends on which tooth is missing, the condition of the surrounding teeth, your bite and your overall oral health.

Replacing a missing tooth may help:

How Does a Traditional Dental Bridge Work?

A traditional bridge commonly uses the teeth on either side of the missing tooth for support. These supporting teeth are prepared for crowns, and the replacement tooth is connected between them as part of the bridge.

Once the bridge is secured in place, the crowns support the artificial tooth that fills the space.

Because the neighboring teeth play an important role in supporting a traditional bridge, Dr. Christine Chin evaluates their health and strength before recommending this type of restoration. For more on crowns, read Dental Crowns: When a Tooth Needs More Than a Filling.

Will a Dental Bridge Look Natural?

A dental bridge can be designed to coordinate with the surrounding teeth in size, shape and color. Tooth-colored materials can provide a natural-looking result, particularly when the missing tooth is visible when you smile.

The most appropriate material can depend on where the bridge is located, the forces placed on it when you bite and the condition of the supporting teeth.

Dr. Chin can discuss the restorative options that make sense for your particular situation.

Dental Bridge or Dental Implant: What’s the Difference?

Both can be used to replace missing teeth, but they work differently.

A traditional bridge generally relies on neighboring teeth for support. A dental implant is placed in the jaw and can support a replacement tooth without using the adjacent teeth in the same way.

One important consideration is that a traditional bridge usually requires reshaping the neighboring teeth to support crowns. A dental implant generally avoids preparing those adjacent teeth, although implant treatment involves surgery and requires adequate bone and healing time.

That doesn’t make one option automatically better for every patient. The condition of the neighboring teeth, available bone, medical and dental history, treatment time, cost and personal preferences can all affect the decision.

Dr. Chin can evaluate the area and help you understand which replacement options may be appropriate for you.

What Happens When I Get a Dental Bridge?

Treatment begins with an examination of the missing-tooth area and the teeth that may support the bridge.

For a traditional tooth-supported bridge, the supporting teeth are prepared so crowns can fit over them. An impression or digital record may then be used to create a bridge designed for your mouth.

A temporary restoration may be used while the final bridge is being made, depending on the treatment plan.

When the final bridge is ready, Dr. Chin checks its fit, appearance and bite before securely cementing or bonding it into place.

Does Getting a Dental Bridge Hurt?

Local anesthetic is commonly used when teeth are being prepared for a traditional bridge so the treatment area can be kept comfortable.

Some temporary sensitivity or tenderness may occur following treatment. Your dental team will explain what to expect and how to care for the area afterward.

If you’re nervous about treatment, tell us. Dr. Chin and the Cedar Hills Dental Care team take a comfortable, patient-centered and non-judgmental approach to dental care.

How Long Does a Dental Bridge Last?

Dental bridges are designed to be durable, but no dental restoration lasts forever.

The lifespan of a bridge can be affected by the health of the supporting teeth and gums, your bite, grinding or clenching, oral hygiene and how well the area beneath and around the bridge is kept clean.

Regular dental examinations allow Dr. Chin to monitor the bridge and the teeth supporting it over time.

How Do I Clean Under a Dental Bridge?

Cleaning around a bridge is especially important because plaque and food can accumulate around the supporting teeth and beneath the replacement tooth.

You will still brush normally, but you’ll also need a way to clean underneath the bridge where ordinary floss cannot simply pass down between the connected teeth.

Your dental hygienist can show you how to use tools such as floss threaders, interdental brushes or a water flosser when appropriate for your bridge. For more on cleaning between teeth, read How to Brush & Floss Correctly: Better Dental Care at Home or Pocket Irrigation & Water Flossing: Cleaning Around Teeth and Gums.

Is a Dental Bridge Right for Me?

A bridge can be an excellent solution for some missing teeth, but the right recommendation depends on the entire area—not just the empty space.

Dr. Chin will consider the condition of the neighboring teeth, your gums, your bite and the location of the missing tooth before recommending treatment.

The goal is to help you understand your options and choose a solution that makes sense for your oral health.