A dental bridge is a very popular fixed prosthesis that replaces one or more missing teeth and that specialists firmly fix on two or more teeth of patients. Experts file these teeth before making a dental bridge to gain space in the shell of the abutment crowns.
| Operation Duration | Length of hospitalization | Recovery Time |
| 1-2 visits | Outpatient | 1-2 weeks |
Have you ever looked at your teeth in the mirror, and some cavities make your smile look ugly? There are many ways to beautify your smile and fill the gaps in your teeth wonderfully. A dental bridge is an artificial filling of a dental cavity that specialists place between other teeth and is actually held by the teeth on both sides. Usually, specialists use different materials for filling the teeth so that the tooth has a natural color and is in harmony with other teeth. These typically make of porcelain, but some people also use gold, which is the same color, as they wish.
Abutment crowns are fixed to sharpened teeth and complement them in shape. These are some of the types of dental veneers. Intermediate elements are teeth that replace missing teeth, perform the chewing function of lost teeth, and rehabilitate the patient aesthetically. Intermediate elements of the bridge partially restore the shape of lost teeth. Due to the overload of the tooth’s suspension apparatus, experts must somewhat reduce the intermediate elements from the oral side for aesthetic reasons. A bridge on the lateral side of the teeth primarily rehabilitates the patient functionally by ensuring good food grinding.
In the absence of 1-2 teeth or up to four teeth in the anterior section and up to three teeth in the lateral area, specialists can make bridges if high-quality column teeth limit these significant gaps, that is, canines. For example, a bridge cannot drive a very young person, people with incomplete tooth development, or severe periodontal disease.
A dental bridge can provide some benefits by closing a significant gap between your teeth and replacing it with a missing tooth. For example, the design makes your smile more beautiful and makes the chewing process easier. In addition, this procedure improves speech and pronunciation. The process helps you maintain your face shape and adjusts the force distribution in the teeth and jaw.
Perhaps the most significant disadvantage of dental bridges is that specialists sometimes have to grind the irreversible enamel. Because tooth enamel is one of the body parts that doesn’t naturally grow and cannot regenerate, in some types of dental bridges, specialists simply attach the artificial teeth to neighboring teeth, which means that the teeth don’t reach the jawbone. Therefore, it is possible to break the surrounding artificial and natural teeth with solid blows.
What is Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a prosthetic product that replaces a lost tooth or connects your teeth. To do this, specialists need to file at least two teeth adjacent to the cavity after the tooth you lost.
When you lose a tooth, the gap must fill as soon as possible, as your remaining teeth may slip. That’s why professionals generally build you a temporary bridge and then take great care to ensure that the final bridge matches the natural color of your teeth. You can’t even recognize a tooth change in a mirror.
If all goes well, you can quickly get a bridge done in two dentist visits. Suppose you fill the tooth cavity with a bridge on the first day of your examination. Specialists prepare the teeth on this side and the other side of the hole for bridge installation. Specialists take a mold and sample from the space of the tooth. So experts can use it to make a bridge the same size as the gap. They place a temporary bridge in the space in the same session. It would be best not to take it out of the mouth until the second session. On your next visit, specialists will make your bridge when you go to the practice. In subsequent sessions, you only need to go to the procedure to ensure the correct placement and the dentist to provide that the bridge isn’t causing a problem.
The reasons for using a dental bridge are varied. Teeth have different importance, and losing even one will cause many problems. Therefore, filling the cavity as soon as possible before the treatment and replacing the tooth is better. In addition, the difficulty of chewing food makes this treatment necessary. One of the problems you face with missing one or more teeth is the inability to chew food properly, which can cause digestive problems. Therefore, you can solve this problem by placing a dental bridge.
The absence of one or more teeth causes you no problems pronouncing the letters correctly. In general, having defects in the teeth negatively affects your self-confidence. Losing a tooth and forming a large gap between the teeth, especially if it is in the front of the jaw, can easily be noticed by those around you when talking or laughing. This reduces your self-confidence. However, having no teeth puts your jaw in an inappropriate position and puts much pressure on your jaw to help improve your chewing style while not being able to chew food properly. This causes jaw pain over time. Filling this gap and placing the teeth in that area effectively improves chewing and prevents it from happening. You solve all these problems with this procedure.
Remember that implants and bridges have the same uses and are built for the same purpose. But they have many differences. One of the differences is that bridges are usually temporary and need to replace after about 5 to 15 years. This means that their lifespan isn’t very long compared to dental implants. Conversely, implants last a long time and are a fixed and permanent treatment for tooth loss. But which ones are beneficial for you is up to you and your dentist.
Who Should Have Dental Bridge Procedure?
After tooth extraction, a large number of gaps remain between the teeth. The teeth in front of and behind the area after the extracted tooth tend to bend into these spaces. The opposing teeth tend to grow and protrude more as a result of the release of the counter pressure during the bite. Bone loss can also occur where there are cavities. All these changes may complicate subsequent prosthetic (replacement, artificial) solutions. Therefore, we recommend replacing missing teeth as soon as possible. According to the reason (aesthetic, functional), location, length, and number of cavities in the jaw, experts design a dental bridge. Check out the ideal candidates for a dental bridge in general:
- The patient is missing a tooth in the anterior part of the dental arch. The space after the tooth thus causes a significant deterioration in the smile’s aesthetic appearance and the teeth’ general aesthetics.
- More than one tooth is missing in a row in the chewing part of the patient’s dental arch. Thus, the tooth structure loses its functionality, as a result of which it becomes difficult to eat, and with it, digestive problems occur. Other functional problems include joint dysfunction and disorders in the jaw common.
What are the Risks of the Dental Bridge Process?
There is a possibility that the bridge may damage your lateral teeth and even cause your natural teeth to decay. Because of its place on the gum, it can cause gingival decay. One of the disadvantages of this procedure is that it needs to replace periodically; otherwise, its lifespan is short.
If you ignore dental hygiene, the side teeth will rot; you should always brush your teeth and use dental floss to prevent the teeth from decaying. Like any medical procedure, this procedure has risks. Check out some of the possible dental bridge risks:
- Infection: There is a risk of disease in the bridge area, exceptionally if proper hygiene not maintains during the healing process.
- Nerve damage: There is a small risk of nerve damage during the preparation of the teeth for the procedure. This can result in numb lips, tongue, or chin tingling.
- Allergic reaction: There is a risk of allergic reaction to materials such as cement or metal alloys used by specialists during the procedure.
- Failure of the bridge: There is a risk that the bridge will fail due to a problem with the materials used by the professionals or incorrect placement.
- Gum disease: If proper oral hygiene is not maintained, there is a risk of developing gum disease around the bridge.
Your dentist will discuss these risks with you and take steps to minimize them during the dental bridge procedure. Following your dentist’s care instructions before and after the process is essential to help reduce the risk of complications.
What Will You Encounter During a Dental Bridge Consultation?
During a dental bridge consultation, you can expect a thorough examination of your mouth and teeth. This may include X-rays better to understand the structure of your teeth and jaw. The dentist will also take impressions of your teeth to create a model for the bridge. You and the dentist will discuss bridge material options, such as porcelain or gold, and the number of teeth the bridge will cover. The dentist will also discuss the costs and any insurance coverage that may be available.
During this consultation, it is essential to ask any questions you have about the procedure. During a bridge consultation, you can expect to discuss the following issues with your dentist:
- Reason for treatment: Your dentist will discuss the cause of the bridge, such as replacing a missing tooth or supporting a dental veneer.
- Your dental and medical history: Your dentist will ask about your dental and medical history to determine if this procedure is the best treatment option for you.
- Dental exam: Your dentist will perform a comprehensive dental exam, including X-rays, to assess the condition of your teeth and gums and determine the best way to support the bridge.
- Treatment options: Your dentist will discuss the types of bridges available and help you choose the best for your needs and budget.
- Dental bridge process: Your dentist will explain the treatment steps, including preparing the teeth, placing the bridge, and subsequent care.
- Cost: Your dentist will discuss the price of this treatment and the available payment options.
- Questions and concerns: You will have the opportunity to ask your dentist any questions or raise any concerns you may have about this procedure.
How Should You Prepare for the Dental Bridge Procedure?
You can do several things to prepare for the dental bridge procedure. Set up a meeting with your dentist to discuss the process and determine if a bridge is a proper treatment.
Inform your dentist about the medications you take and any allergies you have. Also, if you smoke, you must quit at least a few weeks before and after the procedure.
Follow your dentist’s instructions for oral hygiene before and after the procedure. It is essential to keep your mouth clean to reduce the risk of infection. Make the necessary arrangements for the arrival and departure of the appointment, as local anesthesia or sedation may apply to you during the procedure. Plan to rest for a few days after the procedure and avoid strenuous activities that may cause the bridge to dislocate.
Follow your dentist’s instructions for post-procedure care, such as taking prescription medications and avoiding certain foods. Following these steps can help your bridge procedure go smoothly and heal quickly.
What are the Types of Dental Bridges?
According to the material, we divide dental bridges into temporary and permanent metal, plastic/resin, metal-ceramic, and total ceramic. Resin bridges are a quick solution; they are used with implants during the healing of extraction wounds or during the healing period so that the patient doesn’t become toothless. Check out the types of dental bridges in general:
- Ceramic dental bridge: It is aesthetically more suitable than anterior teeth. When metal-ceramic dental bridges use, the metal structure may appear visibly over time.
- Metal-ceramic dental bridge: It recommends to be used instead of posterior teeth for aesthetic reasons and made of high-quality ceramic, and recommended for those whose adjacent teeth are no longer healthy or have repair. This procedure is very aesthetic with good mechanical properties. The core part is a ceramic-coated dental prosthesis. Such a bridge is suitable for posterior teeth. It produces from high-quality ceramics, and experts use it mainly in patients who don’t have healthy teeth adjacent to the bridge or have had these teeth repaired. It is also suitable in cases of extensive tooth defects. The disadvantages are that the metal structure can be visibly exposed over time. The metal structure provides the metal-ceramic bridge with good mechanical resistance, and the ceramic layer offers excellent aesthetics, so metal-ceramic bridges are currently very popular and often specified.
- Implant-supported dental bridge: It is the most suitable solution because its use doesn’t harm your teeth; the bridge screws onto the implant. If it is damaged, we can disassemble it at any time, repair it in the laboratory and replace it again.
- Maryland bridge: It is a temporary aesthetic solution. This is a bridge, the use of which doesn’t grind the support teeth. The bridge is attached to the abutment teeth using metal or other flaps.
- Adhesive bridge: Experts make minimally sharpened natural teeth on patients and adhere to the tooth enamel with the adhesive technique. It is a long-term temporary solution for losing one or two teeth in the front and side of the teeth in young patients. Specialists can also use adhesive bridges as fixed spacers after orthodontic treatment. Adhesive bridges are unsuitable for loose teeth, widely spaced teeth, unfavorable bite conditions, teeth with poor enamel quality (increased caries rate), teeth with bruxism, or poor oral hygiene.
How is Dental Bridge Procedure Performed?
Before any procedure, specialists check the patient’s condition and determine whether tooth loss is due to physical damage or severe gum infection. If the space of the damaged tooth doesn’t fill in time, deviation occurs in the adjacent teeth. The temporomandibular joint can also damage by excessive pressure. Check out the dental bridge steps in general:
- Selection of bridge types
Many types exist, such as Maryland, standard, or implant-supported dental bridges. A typical bridge has two caps attached to both sides of the artificial tooth and holds it. A Maryland bridge is an artificial tooth that links to one’s teeth with the help of extras on both sides. Experts will make the right choice.
- Anesthesia
Unlike the fissure sealant, which usually doesn’t require local anesthesia for treatment, the expert must anesthetize the surrounding tissues first. For this, specialists inject a local anesthetic into the surrounding tissues.
- Filing of support teeth
After specialists, files, and shape change, the abutment teeth are ready for the procedure. The dressings put on these teeth hold the artificial teeth firmly in place.
- Last process
After the experts prepare the teeth, they take a mold from the patient’s mouth and send the molds they have ready to the laboratory. In the laboratory, technicians build bridges for patients. Since the main bridge usually takes several weeks, the dentist may recommend using a temporary bridge. You must return to the dentist’s office to put the last bridge in place. After the dentist builds the bridge, it makes it compatible with the neighboring teeth and adjusts it.
What to Consider After Dental Bridge Procedure?
As we mentioned earlier, maintenance helps increase the durability and life of the bridge. So if you want to save money and keep your dental bridges healthy for longer and reap the benefits, here are some things to consider:
- We recommend that you floss your teeth every day and brush your teeth twice a day. It is better to brush your teeth correctly and at the right time so that you can brush your teeth properly and correctly.
- You may need to use special floss, toothbrush, and toothpaste along with the bridge installation. Therefore, it is helpful to consult your dentist about this.
- Regular dental check-ups and prioritizing them help protect oral and dental health and all kinds of restorations placed in the mouth. In these controls, the dentist examines the health of the mouth and teeth and bridge. If there is any problem, the specialist promptly performs treatments with side measures to prevent it from worsening and causing more complications. Doing so has a vital role in prolonging the life of bridges.
- Proper nutrition and limiting the consumption of sugar, acid, alcohol, and pigment-containing foods and beverages will significantly help maintain the health of your teeth and all kinds of repairs, dentures, and coatings in the mouth.
- Smoking contains toxic substances such as nicotine and tar, which negatively affect the mouth, gum, and dental health. By causing gum diseases and tooth decay, it also affects the health and durability of the bridge and shortens its life.
- We recommend that you not open bottle caps using the bridge to avoid biting hard food such as nuts and damaging the bridge.
- Habits such as grinding teeth and biting a pencil tip also put too much pressure on teeth and bridges and cause damage. Therefore, it is better to abandon these habits after building the bridge.
- See a dentist if you notice changes in the function of the bridge. When you notice changes in the way you eat and talk, or if you notice symptoms such as swelling, redness, pain, and bleeding in the gums around the bridge, it would be beneficial to speak to your dentist as soon as possible.
What is the Recovery Process After Dental Bridge?
The perimeter of the dental bridge and the supporting teeth play the leading role in maintaining the bridge. Most people think caring for the bridge is enough and doesn’t interfere with other teeth. However, you should pay attention to the fact that the teeth, which are located next to the desired area and are the leading supporter of the bridge, are always healthy and unharmed. Check out the recovery process after the dental bridge in general:
- It is normal to experience discomfort and swelling for a few days after the bridge procedure. Your dentist will provide you with care instructions after the procedure. You should take pain medication as prescribed by your specialist.
- You can apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth to reduce swelling. Stick to a soft food diet for the first few days. Avoid strenuous activities that may cause the bridge to become dislocated.
- You should maintain good oral hygiene, including careful brushing and flossing around the bridge. Following your dentist’s care instructions after the procedure is essential to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of complications. Although it may take a week or two for the mouth to heal fully, you should be able to return to your normal activities within a few days.
- It is essential to contact your dentist if you have any concerns or experience any unusual symptoms after the procedure. They will be able to assess your condition and provide guidance on any additional care that experts may need.
- If the teeth next to the dental bridge are dirty and problematic, infection and periodontal disease can quickly spread to the supporting teeth, which is very unfortunate. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth after the procedure. Remember, it is better to learn the correct method of brushing your teeth from your doctor and to do it correctly, not to tire your teeth too much.
How Long After Dental Bridge Will You See the Final Result?
It usually takes several weeks to complete the bridge procedure. After the initial consultation, the dentist will prepare your teeth for the bridge and take impressions to create a model. The bridge itself will make in a dental laboratory. You will likely need to return for a second appointment to have the bridge placed.
Getting used to the feeling of the bridge in your mouth may take some time. Your mouth will also need time to heal after the procedure. But you should be able to see the final result of the dental bridge immediately after it takes place. It’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions for bridge care and good oral hygiene to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
A dental bridge usually takes several weeks to complete. After the initial consultation and preparation, the first step in the process is the preparation of the teeth that will support the bridge. This includes removing cavities and shaping the teeth to make room for the bridge. Impressions are then taken from the teeth and used to create a model for the bridge. You can see the final result of this procedure in a few weeks.
How Much Does Dental Bridge Cost?
Dental bridge cost depends on its type, amount of materials, and the cost of quality work done by dental professionals. The price difference, therefore, consists of the material the bridge makes of and the form and time required for application. The price difference is also due to high-quality and accurate impression material and sensitive and expensive dental technicians.
Many different factors can have a significant impact on the price of a dental bridge. The number of teeth you lost or pulled for any reason is very effective on the price; that is, the number of empty teeth affects the cost of the bridge. The degree of complexity of the treatment has a significant influence on its price. The amount of repairs and treatments required during bridge construction significantly impacts the bridge’s cost.
The type of material that experts will use in the construction of the product, such as composite resin, resin-coated metal alloy, and zirconia, has a significant influence on prices. If the root of the old tooth isn’t empty, root canal treatment is needed, and the following steps take.
In Which Countries is the Cheapest Dental Bridge Procedure Performed?
The cost of a dental bridge procedure can vary depending on several factors, such as the material that specialists use for the bridge, the number of teeth the bridge will cover, and the dental office’s location. Dental treatment is usually cheaper in countries with a lower cost of living.
It is important to note that the cost of the procedure should not be the only factor to consider when choosing a dental practice. Finding a dental practice with a good reputation and experienced dentists who use high-quality materials is also essential. Here are the dental bridge costs by country:
| COUNTRY | COST |
| United States | $2000 to $5000 |
| Brazil | $1000 to $3000 |
| China | $1750 to $5000 |
| Japan | $2000 to $4500 |
| South Korea | $1300 to $3000 |
| India | $1250 to $2400 |
| Argentina | $1100 to $3200 |
| Mexico | $840 to $2000 |
| Germany | $1200 to $3950 |
| Turkey | $460 to $1200 |
| Colombia | $1100 to $2300 |
| Italy | $1250 to $3500 |
| France | $1250 to $4100 |
| Spain | $1400 to $4000 |
| Taiwan | $1000 to $2600 |
| Venezuela | $850 to $1400 |
| United Kingdom | $1800 to $5100 |
| Netherlands | $850 to $1400 |
| Egypt | $900 to $2650 |
| Peru | $1000 to $3000 |
| AVERAGE COST | $460 to $5100 |
Attention: For Information Purposes Only
Please note that the content of this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always consult a qualified dentist for personal guidance.
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