Dental Bridge

Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is a restorative dental procedure that your dentist may recommend if you have tooth decay on one or more teeth. Our dental bridges in Mission, TX are completed by our experienced dental team which will discuss the various options involved in getting a bridge before any procedure. The total dental bridge cost will depend on a variety of factors, including the material of the bridge, your insurance, and more. If you have any questions or concerns regarding cost, do not hesitate to contact us and we will be able to explain the cost and financial options available to you for a dental bridge.

Why People Need Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are beneficial to anyone who has a missing tooth or a tooth which had to be taken out via extraction. Dental bridges require either two healthy teeth on the side of the missing tooth (or gap) or two dental implants on the side of the missing tooth or gap. These healthy teeth or implants are the “support” of the bridge which contains three attached crowns.

Dental bridges may be recommended if you have undergone a tooth extraction and your dentist is concerned about the possibility of your teeth shifting, which can occur when there is a gap in your mouth due to a missing tooth. Another reason for a dental bridge is to help prevent further decay in an area where there is exposed gum tissue. Dental bridges can be an integral part of maintaining your ability to properly chew food as well as, depending on the location and number of bridges required, help you maintain your ability to pronounce words and even maintain the shape of your face.

Bridges are typically made from porcelain or from a porcelain material that is fused to a metal base. Your dentist may recommend different materials depending on the location of the dental bridge; for instance, all white bridges are typically recommended in areas where your teeth will be the most visible.

Dental Bridge Procedure

A dental bridge procedure will require more than one visit to complete. During your first appointment, your dentist will first number your mouth in order to reduce chances for discomfort. The dentist will then use a special tool in order to reshape the teeth that will be used to support the bridge; or, if you need implants, the dentist will go forward with the double implant procedure in order to prepare the area for the bridge. If you have your natural teeth, however, they will be filed down in order to support the eventual crowns that will act as side support for the final bridge.

Then, the dentist will make an impression of both the missing tooth section and the two surrounding teeth. This impression will be sent out and used to make a customized bridge. However, you will receive a temporary bridge in the meantime to cover the surrounding area. When the final customized bridge arrives, you will have another appointment at which the dentist will remove the temporary bridge and bond the permanent one into place instead.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your dental bridge procedure, including any questions about the cost, do not hesitate to contact us. We will get back to you as soon as possible in order to answer all of your questions.