Dental Bridges – Dental Q&A
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to the teeth on either side of the gap. The adjacent teeth (called abutments) are prepared with crowns, and a false tooth (called a pontic) hangs between them to fill the space. Bridges are cemented in place and cannot be removed, making them feel more natural than removable dentures. Dental bridges are available for patients throughout the Columbus and Gahanna area.
How is a dental bridge different from a dental implant?
A dental implant replaces a tooth root with a titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone, topped with a crown. A dental bridge spans the gap by crowning the neighboring teeth. Implants preserve jawbone and do not require altering adjacent teeth. Bridges are less invasive, less expensive, and placed faster, but they do not prevent bone loss at the extraction site and require healthy neighboring teeth.
What are the pros and cons of a dental bridge versus a dental implant?
Bridges are faster to complete (typically two to three weeks), cost less upfront, and require no surgery. Implants preserve bone, do not damage adjacent teeth, and often last a lifetime. Bridges typically last 10 to 15 years and require eventual replacement. For most patients in good health without bone loss, an implant is the better long-term investment. A bridge is a good option when implants are not possible or affordable.
How long does a dental bridge last?
With proper care, dental bridges typically last 10 to 15 years, and many last 20 years or longer. Longevity depends on oral hygiene, diet, bite forces, and the health of the supporting teeth. Ohio patients who keep the area under the bridge clean with floss threaders or a water flosser dramatically reduce the risk of decay in the abutment teeth — the most common reason bridges need early replacement.
Does getting a dental bridge require grinding down adjacent teeth?
Yes. Traditional dental bridges require the teeth on either side of the gap to be reduced (shaved down) to accommodate the crowns that anchor the bridge. This is a permanent, irreversible change to otherwise healthy teeth, which is one of the main drawbacks of bridge treatment compared to implants. In some situations where the adjacent teeth already need crowns, this tradeoff is less significant.
Can a dental bridge prevent bone loss in the jaw?
No. A dental bridge does not replace the tooth root, so it does not prevent the bone loss that occurs under a missing tooth. Without a root stimulating the jawbone, bone in that area gradually resorbs over years. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that preserves bone through osseointegration. For patients concerned about long-term bone preservation, an implant is the superior choice.
How much do dental bridges cost compared to implants in Ohio?
In Ohio, a three-unit dental bridge (replacing one tooth) typically costs $2,500 to $5,000. A single dental implant with a crown generally costs $3,000 to $5,500. While bridges have a lower upfront cost, they require eventual replacement and may need more dental work to the adjacent teeth over time. When viewed over 20 to 30 years, implants are often more cost-effective despite the higher initial investment.
How do I clean under a dental bridge?
Cleaning under a bridge requires more than regular brushing. Floss threaders, super floss, or a water flosser can clean underneath the pontic and around the abutment teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach. Plaque and food debris under the bridge can cause decay in the supporting teeth if not removed daily. Your dentist or hygienist will demonstrate proper technique when your bridge is placed.
Am I a good candidate for a dental bridge?
Good candidates for a dental bridge have one or more missing teeth with healthy, structurally sound teeth on either side of the gap. You should be free from active gum disease or untreated decay. The Smile Method evaluates each patient's full oral health picture in Gahanna and Columbus to determine whether a bridge, implant, or combination approach is the best long-term solution.
How many visits does it take to get a dental bridge?
A traditional dental bridge typically requires two appointments. At the first visit, the abutment teeth are prepared, impressions or digital scans are taken, and a temporary bridge is placed. Two to three weeks later, the permanent bridge is fitted and cemented at a second appointment. Some practices use same-day CAD/CAM technology to complete certain bridge cases in a single visit.