What to Expect with Dental Bridges

If you have recently lost a tooth — to injury, a medical condition, or natural causes — you may be wondering how to restore your smile. A missing tooth leaves a gap, affects chewing, can cause jaw discomfort, and changes your bite. A dental bridge is one of the most common and reliable solutions.

What Is a Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is a replacement tooth (called a pontic) held in place by crowns cemented onto the teeth on either side (called abutments). It fills the gap and restores both appearance and function.

Four Main Types

Traditional bridge — the most common option, with a pontic held in place by crowns on each adjacent tooth. Cantilever bridge — supported by a crown on only one side, used when only one adjacent tooth is available. Maryland bridge — a conservative option using a porcelain or metal framework bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth; less strong, so not ideal for areas with high biting forces. Implant-supported bridge — held by implants placed in the jawbone, providing maximum stability and the best long-term solution when multiple teeth are missing.

The Procedure

A bridge starts with a comprehensive dental exam, often including a 3D cone beam CT scan. Your dentist confirms candidacy and recommends either same-day CEREC crowns or lab-fabricated crowns.

The adjacent teeth are reshaped under local anesthesia to accommodate crowns. For a single missing tooth, this creates a three-unit bridge — two abutment crowns and one pontic. Larger gaps require more units.

With same-day CEREC, a digital scan replaces traditional impressions. The bridge is designed on a computer, milled in-house, refined, fitted, and cemented in a single visit. With a lab-fabricated bridge, a putty mold is taken, sent to the lab, and a temporary is worn for about two weeks before the final restoration is bonded into place.

After the Procedure

There is a brief adjustment period as you get used to the feel of the new bridge. Maintain it by brushing twice daily, flossing under the pontic with a threader or water flosser, using mouthwash, eating a balanced diet, and limiting sweets.

How Long Does a Bridge Last

Five to fifteen years depending on care, hygiene, diet, and how often you visit the dentist.

Cost Factors

Cost depends on additional procedures needed on the adjacent teeth, the skill of the dentist and lab technician, location, materials, and the number of teeth involved.

To learn whether a bridge or implant is right for your situation, call AVF Dental Group at (949) 360-9700.