Dental Bridges

Dental Bridge

Anchored by teeth on each side of the gap, a bridge is one or more false teeth permanently attached to your mouth. Bridges bring back the functionality and look of your original teeth and are generally given to patients who have one or more missing teeth.

Why Get a Bridge

Missing teeth can cause multiple issues, including speech changes, bite alterations and shifting teeth, a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease, and even potentially changing the way your jawbone supports your cheeks and lips. Bridges can mitigate all these issues as well as restore your smile to where it should be.

Benefits of a Bridge

Obviously, keeping your own teeth is ideal. Still, when you lose a tooth or teeth, a bridge may be the best thing for you. Bridges:

Are more stable than a partial denture, making chewing easier and better.
Can replace multiple teeth at once rather than replacing them individually.
Can combine a crown procedure with a bridge, when one or both of the anchor teeth could benefit from a crown.

What to Expect when Getting a Bridge

Getting a bridge is done over the course of two appointments. On your first appointment, we’ll give you a full exam that includes removing any infection or decay. Next, we’ll reshape the teeth that will anchor the bridge. We’ll make an impression that will soon mold the bridge and install temporary or CEREC^® crowns to the anchor teeth.

When your bridge is ready (normally 2-3 weeks after your first appointment), you’ll return for your second appointment, during which we fit and mount the bridge to your mouth. After confirming your natural bite and color, we permanently cement the bridge in place.

Bridge FAQs

Like crowns, bridges are usually made from porcelain but can be made from other materials when applicable. We’ll consult with you on the best materials for your situation and consider:

Tooth location and how much of it will show in your smile
Position of your gum tissue
Function of the tooth
How much of the tooth is remaining
Color of the surrounding teeth
Cost

Brushing and flossing remain the best way to care for your dental health. When you have a bridge, there’s one small change in that you won’t be able to floss between the teeth of the bridge due to how it’s made. However, you will want to pay special attention to where the bridge sits in relation to your gums. Proper care around the gums will prevent trapped food and tartar and plaque from causing problems.

Use the floss threader or small brush we’ll give you to clean under your bridge and supporting teeth.
Gently brush and floss twice a day.
Avoid chewing ice or hard foods.

Bridges last 5-15 years, which is a pretty big range largely dependent on how well you care for it. Maintaining good oral health will prolong the life of your bridge and save you money over time.

In most cases, a bridge solves the exact issues it’s meant to solve. In some unexpected situations, potential problems can arise and it’s important to address those sooner than later.

Teeth sensitivity: bridges are often sensitive to heat or cold, but adjusting the bridge can help.
Chipped bridge: we can repair small chips if they occur.
Loose or missing bridge: if there isn’t enough cement keeping it in place, a bridge can come loose and potentially fall out. Tell us if it feels loose and we’ll lock it in place.
Gum irritation: sore or bleeding gums around your bridge could be signs of gum disease. Contact us and we’ll guide you through the process.

We’re Ready to Help You

At Cajon Dental, everything we do is centered on you, your health and your experience.