Dental bridges are an effective way to close gaps where teeth have been lost.
1) What are dental bridges?
Dental bridges are prostheses which consist of one or more false teeth and are attached to the teeth on either side of the empty space using dental crowns.
2) Who is a candidate for dental bridges?
Anyone who has lost a tooth due to disease or injury is a prime candidate for dental bridges.
3) What are dental bridges used for?
Dental bridges are used to fill gaps left by one or more missing teeth.
4) How is the procedure performed?
In the first visit, the dentist will apply a local anesthetic to the area that will receive the bridge and remove a small amount of tooth material from the teeth on either side of the bridge area to allow for the thickness of the bridge. An impression of the open space is made and sent to a laboratory where the bridge will be made. Your dentist may apply a temporary bridge to protect the exposed area until the permanent bridge is in place. In the second visit, the temporary bridge will be removed and the permanent bridge will be set in place using dental cement.
5) What is the recovery like?
There may be some slight discomfort following the first and second procedures which can be alleviated with aspirin or Tylenol, and areas receiving dental bridges may also be sensitive to extreme temperatures for a few days.
6) Results
In addition to providing a natural, more aesthetically pleasing appearance by filling in” gaps created by missing teeth, dental bridges can also reduce the risk of gum disease and correct bite issues that occur when one or more teeth are lost. Applying dental bridges is a relatively simple procedure that typically requires only two visits to the dentist.
7) Are dental bridges approved for use in the USA?
Yes, dental bridges are approved for use in the U.S.
8) Are dental bridges covered by insurance companies?
Most major dental insurance plans cover about 50% of the total cost of dental bridges.
9) Cost
Depending upon the amount of work and the size and type of dental bridges, the cost for this procedure typically ranges from $200 to $2,000 per bridge.
