Dental Bridge Cost: Types, Procedure & Cost

Dental Bridge – What Are They?

The name says it all; Dental bridges are literally a bridge for your teeth. They are what’s bridging the gap left by a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth.

The teeth on each side of the gap are the anchors for the bridge…Usually, a fake tooth is attached to the bridge and is filling the space where the empty tooth cavity is.

How many teeth are missing will determine what kind of bridge will be needed for tooth replacement.

Dental Bridges Types.

Here are the types of dental bridges your dentist might consider;

Traditional Dental Bridges

This traditional bridge is the most often used by dentists. The traditional bridge usually has a few fake teeth (called a pontic) and the dental bridges are secured with dental crowns (abutment teeth). The dental crowns are cemented on the surrounding teeth.

These traditional dental bridges can be used anywhere in the mouth. The only thing you need is natural teeth on either side of the missing tooth.

The dentist will remove the enamel from the natural teeth before placing the crowns on top. Those teeth will have these crowns forever because the enamel doesn’t grow back.

Maryland Dental Bridge

Maryland bridge involves either a metal or porcelain frame with a tooth in the front, usually with one or even two wings that attach the adjacent natural teeth.

The main benefits associated with the Maryland Bridge are; it is very strong and it is a low-risk option. The freshly prepared teeth attach to your natural teeth and are made of composite resin-bonded bridge, which is really strong. It is similar to a traditional bridge but uses dental implants instead of crowns or frameworks.

They look super realistic and they are a permanent option in most cases.

Your dentist might need to cut your surrounding teeth during the fitting in order to make one pontic fit properly because it might be difficult to perfectly match the fake tooth with the space left by the missing tooth.

However, in recent years the Maryland bridges are less popular. There are some concerns about them getting lost due to the chewing forces.

Cantilever Bridge

Traditional Cantilever bridges are mostly used when you have only one natural tooth that can be used as abutment teeth on either side of the gap. It only uses one natural tooth to anchor the bridge.

This Cantilever bridge is like a traditional bridge but they only have one supporting tooth rather than a tooth on both sides of the oral cavity. Many people with one or more missing teeth can benefit from the bridge.

Dental Implant-Supported Bridges

You might need this one if you have multiple teeth missing, whether in a row or throughout your mouth. It can also work if you have teeth missing that are not next to each other.

These bridges are secured by dental implants. You usually get one dental implant for each one of the missing teeth and the bridge will attach to those implants.

In some cases, it won’t be possible and the dentist will need to secure the whole replacement with just two implant-supported crowns.

Dental Bridge – What’s The Procedure Like?

After you and your dentist decide on a dental bridge, you will then schedule your first visit for the procedure.

During the first visit, your dentist will prepare the abutment teeth which is held in place, which means removing the enamel on the adjacent teeth to allow room for the crowns to be placed over the adjacent teeth.

The next step is to make an impression of your teeth to make the bridge, the fake tooth or artificial tooth or false tooth, and the crowns. The cost of an implanted supported bridge depends on the size of the implanted support bridge. The cost depends on the different materials used. Keep in mind the the cost is for each artificial tooth replacement.

If the bridge is made by a dental lab you will have to wait a few days before you get your replacement. The dentist will then make a temporary removable dental bridge for you.

During the second visit, the dentist will remove the temporary bridge and put in the new one, the permanent one.

The dentist will make sure it fits properly and the dentist might give you another appointment to make sure it still fits in the future.

The Cost Of A Dental Bridge.

What does the average dental bridge cost? Could your dental insurance pay for the bridge cost? Can Medicaid dental insurance pay?

The average cost of dental bridges is between $500 and $1200, depending on several factors. The cost will depend on:

-The dentist’s experience in oral health, geographic location, etc.

-The materials chose like metal alloy, resin, etc.

-If the bridge is made in a dental lab or at the dentist’s office.

-The types of bridges.

FAQ.

How Long Does A Dental Bridge Last?

The amount of time the bridge will last will depend on the type of bridge you are getting, how your body reacts, and the quality of the procedure but generally speaking it could last between 5 to 15 years. Keep in mind we do not provide any kind of medical advice. Please check with your dentist.

Is Getting A Dental Bridge Painful?

Most dentists use anesthesia during the procedure so you won’t feel any pain but you will surely feel pain in the weeks after. You might experience tooth or teeth and jaw pain.

How Can I Get Dental Bridge Repaired?

Simple; you need to go see a dentist.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Dental Bridge?

You can usually get your dental bridge in just a few days.

How Is It Made?

It depends if it is an in-house one or one made in a laboratory.

Potential Problems.

The amount of time the bridge will last will depend on the type of bridge you are getting, how your body reacts, and the quality of the procedure but generally speaking, it could last between 5 to 15 years.

If the bridge is causing you pain

There are multiple reasons for this. Call your dentist and set an appointment. You can buy denture pain cream in order to soothe the discomfort.

If Your Dental Bridge Is Loose

Here are the symptoms of a dental bridge that is loose;

-If the bridge moves when you touch it

-For some reason your teeth and your gums are sensitive

If you have a loose bridge you should take an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime here are a few solutions;

-Buy good quality cement at your local pharmacy, we recommend going for this one-

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-Clean the inside of the bridge.

My Dental Bridge Fell Out

Again, get an appointment with a dentist but in the meantime here are a few things you could do:

-Remove all the debris around your tooth/teeth/crown

-Then put the crown over the intended tooth

-Close your teeth together in order to make sure the crown is properly on.

-Remove it then fill part of it with denture adhesive.

-Simply put the crown back on the tooth

-One more time close your teeth together

-Wipe all the extra adhesive

Also Read: Permanent Denture Cost- Detail Explanation