Dental Bridge Procedure
Restore Your Smile at Our Colorado Dental Clinic
Let’s get you smiling again!
At Alpine Dental Health, our goal is to keep you happy — even if a dental bridge is on the menu.
Your teeth obviously play a vital role in chewing, speaking, and keeping other teeth in alignment. So when you lose one, you need to have it replaced keep your mouth functioning and healthy.
Getting a dental bridge procedure should be a smooth process. Here’s a little information about the procedure, why you might need one, and what to expect. If you have any questions or concerns not listed here, please don’t hesitate to call one of our Northern Colorado locations for more details..
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a standard dental restoration option that replaces one or more missing teeth using artificial or false teeth in a row.
Essentially this procedure works to close the gap in a patient’s mouth caused by tooth loss from factors such as decay or tooth trauma. A traditional bridge is held in place by dental crowns placed on the abutting teeth.
A removable bridge on the other hand is attached to the teeth via metal clasps or precision attachments.
Dental bridges can be used to replace a single missing tooth, but typically they are used when up to four teeth need to be replaced. Bridges tend to lose stability the more teeth that they are replacing, so usually dental implants are added to reinforce the bridge.
How much does a dental bridge cost?
Although every patient’s reason for opting into a dental bridge is different, the most common reasons include restoring your smile and speech, increasing your ability to chew correctly, and maintaining the overall shape of your face. On average, a dental bridge can last between 5 and 10 years with proper oral care.
When it comes to pricing, there are various factors to consider, including:
· Number of missing teeth
· The material used to create the bridge
· Crown requirements
· Additional treatments needed such as root canals or fillings
Concerned about cost of a dental bridge? Don’t let the worry of cost stop you from restoring your smile; we can assure you that we have a variety of payment options to fit different needs and budgets, including our Smile Plan, and we are happy to discuss those with you at your personalized visit.
What to Expect from a Dental Bridge Procedure
At Alpine Dental Health, we believe transparency builds trusting relationships with our patients. We understand that knowing what to expect from your procedure helps alleviate any worry or stress you may have. We are here to care for you and want you to feel comfortable and confident throughout your time with us.
A dental bridge procedure is simple and painless. Your dentist will apply a local anesthetic to numb the ear so you don’t feel anything. After the procedure, it is common to feel some pain or discomfort, so you may be prescribed an analgesic.
Dental bridge procedures begin with an overall oral health review by our experienced dentists. Along with providing a personalized treatment plan, we discuss the cost and payment options available.
There are typically six steps following your exam that span over a few appointments to complete your treatment.
6 Steps of a Traditional Dental Bridge Procedure
1. Alginate Impressions are taken to serve as a baseline model of your teeth structure.
2. Space is made to accommodate for dental crowns on the abutment teeth.
3. Temporary crowns are placed on the abutment teeth.
4. A temporary bridge is placed in the area of the missing teeth to protect the area until the permanent one is completed.
5. Temporary ones are removed.
6. A permanent bridge is cemented between the permanent crowns, and proper fit is verified.
In some instances, a traditional bridge is not the ideal option for your needs, so our dentists may suggest a Maryland bridge or implant-supported bridge. In all cases, proper oral hygiene is imperative to keeping your teeth strong and healthy.
If the teeth which will support the bridge are decayed or badly broken down, your dentist might need to restore them before they can be used as part of your bridge.
Bridges vs Implants
Bridges and dental implants share a lot in common. Both are great solutions for replacing a missing tooth and restoring normal function to the affected area of your mouth.
The main advantage of a dental bridge, however, is that the process is completed faster than an implant. You should speak with our knowledgeable dentists if you are trying to decide between the two.
Let the Experts at Alpine Dental Health Help
Are you hoping to restore the look and feel of your mouth? Then request an appointment with our caring Alpine Dental Health team today to learn more about how a dental bridge could help boost your oral health and your smile.