Dental bridges in Dallas, TX
A bridge fills a gap with a false tooth that is anchored to the teeth either side. It is fixed in place, so it does not come out, and it is usually finished in weeks rather than months.
How a bridge works, and what it asks of the neighbouring teeth
The teeth either side of the gap are prepared and crowned, and a false tooth is joined between them. The whole thing is cemented in as one piece, so it stays put.
The trade is that healthy teeth either side have to be reduced to take the crowns. If those teeth already need crowns for other reasons, a bridge makes obvious sense. If they are untouched and healthy, an implant may be the better long term answer because it leaves them alone.
We will tell you which situation you are in rather than defaulting to whichever is quicker.
A bridge is often a good fit when
- One or two teeth are missing in a row
- The teeth either side already need crowns
- You want something fixed rather than removable
- An implant is not possible due to bone or health
- You want treatment finished in weeks not months
- Surgery is something you would rather avoid
How a bridge is fitted
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Examination and x-rays
We check the teeth either side are strong enough to carry it.
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Preparation
Those teeth are shaped, and a scan or impression is taken.
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A temporary bridge
You leave with something in place while the permanent one is made.
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Fitting
The finished bridge is checked for fit and bite, then cemented.
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Cleaning advice
Bridges need cleaning underneath. You will be shown how, because that is what decides how long it lasts.
Who you will see
Dr. Shayan Azimi looks after dental bridges at our Bishop Arts practice. You see the same dentist at every visit, so nobody starts your treatment over.
What it costs, and how people pay
Price depends on what you actually need, so we look first and tell you the number before anything starts. What we can tell you now is how it gets paid for.
- Insured. In network with most major PPO plans, and your benefits get checked before treatment is planned.
- Medicaid or CHIP. Both accepted, which a lot of Dallas practices will not do.
- No insurance. Our membership plan covers cleanings, exams and routine x-rays from $30 a month, with 20% off other treatment.
- Larger treatment. Cherry, Sunbit and HFD payment plans spread the cost.
Dental Bridges questions
- How long does a dental bridge last?
- Many last a decade or more, and how well the area underneath is cleaned makes the biggest difference. It is not a fit and forget solution.
- Bridge or implant?
- An implant leaves the neighbouring teeth untouched and holds bone, but costs more and takes months. A bridge is faster and cheaper but involves crowning the teeth either side. If those teeth are already crowned or need work, a bridge is often the sensible choice.
- Does getting a bridge hurt?
- The preparation is done under local anaesthetic so you should not feel it. Some sensitivity afterwards is normal while the temporary is in place.
- How do I clean under a bridge?
- With a floss threader or an interdental brush. You will be shown at the fitting appointment, and it matters more for a bridge than for a normal tooth.