Dental bridge
dental bridge · fixed bridge · tooth bridge · fixed partial denture
A bridge fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It rests on the neighboring teeth or on implants and is not removed.
When one or two teeth in a row are missing, and the neighboring teeth can be used as supports.
⏱ Duration: usually 2 to 3 visits over 1 to 3 weeks
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Treatment. The support teeth are treated first. Sometimes a root canal is needed.
- X-rays. The dentist takes an X-ray to check the roots of the support teeth.
What to bring
- Your ID
- Dental X-rays, if you have them
How it goes
- The dentist examines your teeth and takes an X-ray
- With numbing, the support teeth are shaped for crowns
- An impression or scan is taken
- A temporary bridge is put in
- Later, the permanent bridge is tried in and fixed in place
- Your bite is checked, and care is explained
What you'll feel
- With numbing, shaping the teeth does not hurt
- For the first days, the bridge feels unusual, and the teeth may react to cold
Afterwards
- Clean under the bridge with special floss or a water flosser
- Do not bite very hard things
- Checkups every 6 months
Contact a doctor straight away if
- The bridge is loose or has come off
- Severe pain in a support tooth, or swollen gums
Common questions
How is a bridge worse than an implant?
For a bridge, the neighboring teeth are shaped down. An implant does not touch them, but it needs surgery. Your dentist will help you choose.
How long does a bridge last?
Usually many years with good care. It is important to clean under it every day.