Dental Bridges - FAQ

Smile Makeover Specialist

What is a dental bridge?
Dental bridges are used in restorative dentistry, to fill in the empty space with a fake tooth. A false tooth (called a pontic) is attached to the adjacent teeth with a bridge, which “bridges” together the empty space.

How does it work?
Your teeth will be prepared on both sides of the space for the false tooth. You will be given a mild anesthetic to numb the area, and then remove an area from each abutment (tooth on either side of the space) to accommodate for the thickness of the crown. If these teeth already have fillings, part of the filling might be left in place and used as the foundation for the crown. An impression will be made—the mold from which your bridge will be made. Until its ready, you’ll wear a temporary bridge to protect your teeth and gums. On your next appointment, the temporary bridge will be removed. Your new permanent bridge will be fitted and checked and adjusted accordingly. It will then be cemented to your teeth.

Are there different types of bridges?
Yes. There are three main types:

Conventional Fixed Bridge – This is a permanent bridge used to fix one or more missing teeth. With this bridge, a false tooth (called a pontic) is fused between two porcelain crowns to fill the space of your missing tooth. There are two dental crowns holding it in place that are attached onto your teeth on each side of the false tooth.
Cantilever Bridges – Cantilever bridges are used when there are teeth on only one side of the open space. During this procedure the false tooth is only anchored one side, over the natural part of your adjacent tooth.
Resin Bonded Bridges – This is also used primarily for your front teeth, when your adjacent teeth are healthy and have no major fillings. Here, the false tooth is fused to metal bands that are bonded to the adjacent teeth with a resin, which reduces the amount of preparation on the adjacent teeth.

Who is a good candidate for a bridge?
If you have one or more missing teeth and have good oral hygiene practices and healthy gums, you should discuss this procedure with the dentists at trans zen dental. If these spaces are left unfilled, your surrounding teeth may move out of position. Spaces from missing teeth can also make your other teeth and gums more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease.

How much do dental bridges cost?
The cost depends on many different factors—from what city you’re in to which type of bridge you need.

If you have missing teeth and don't want to suffer the aesthetic and functional consequences any longer, call or e-mail our offices today.

trans zen dental, PLLC
8753 E. Bell Rd., Suite 101 | Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Phone: 480-563-4ZEN | Fax: 480-513-4ZEN