Dental Bridges
 When you have a missing tooth it can adversely effect the appearance and
functionality of your smile. A missing tooth can cause a change in your bite,
shift your teeth, cause joint disorder, speech impediments and an increase risk
for periodontal disease and even tooth decay of the adjacent teeth.
A Dental Bridge is similar to Dental Implants and Partial Dentures, and can
be used to replace a missing tooth or even missing teeth. There are several
different types of fixed dental bridges which cannot be removed. They are
- Conventional Fixed Bridge
- Cantilever Bridge
- Resin Bonded Bridge
Conventional Bridge, Cantilever Bridge
A Conventional Fixed Bridge and Cantilever Bridge requires shaping of the
teeth surrounding the missing tooth or teeth. Crowns are placed over the shaped
teeth and then attached to an artificial tooth.
Resin Bonded Bridge
A Resin Bonded Bridge doesn't need as much preparation to the surrounding
teeth. It is often used to replace missing front teeth as long as the gums are
healthy and the surrounding teeth do not have extensive dental fillings or root
canal.
The Dental Bridge Procedure
During your first visit, Dr Murray will examine your the health of your gums
and surrounding teeth to determine if you are a candidate for a dental bridge
and what type. If you are a candidate for a dental bridge, you will be given a
local anesthetic so Dr Murray can prepare the teeth required to support the
dental bridge. If your surrounding teeth are badly decayed or are to weak or
damaged to support a dental bridge, Dr Murray will have to build them up to
support a dental bridge.
Next, Dr Murray will take an impression of the prepared teeth with a putty
like material that will be used to create a model of your teeth. Your dental
bridge will be created based on this model in our lab by a skilled dental
technician so that it will fit perfectly with the prepared teeth. It is
important that your dental bridge fits perfect to avoid any additional problems
such as gum disease or teeth decay.
While your bridge is being created by our dental technician, Dr Murray will
fit you with a temporary bridge so your teeth and gums can heal and be protected
until you are fitted for your permanent dental bridge.
when your permanent dental bridge is complete, Dr Murray or the staff will
schedule you for a second appointment to have your new dental bridge fitted and
cemented.
Dental Bridge Cost
Dental Bridge Cost is determined based on the following factors;
- The potential need for additional procedures (such as fillings or root
canals) in the adjoining teeth.
- The technique of the dentist and lab technician.
- The coverage provided in your dental insurance plan.
- The type of material used in the bridge.
- The preparation of teeth involved in the bridge procedure.
A Dental Bridge can range between $1000 to $3000 per tooth depending on the
above factors. If you take care and proper dental hygiene, your new Dental
Bridge can last many years. It is not uncommon for a bridge to last for ten or
twenty years.
To determine if you need a dental bridge, please make an appointment with Dr
Murray and discuss it with him. |
