Dental Bridges in Moses Lake, WA
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth without surgery. It works by anchoring a false tooth, called a pontic, to crowns placed on the natural teeth on either side of the gap. The result is a stable, non-removable restoration that restores your ability to chew normally, prevents the remaining teeth from shifting, and fills the gap in your smile.
Dr. Nick Smith, DDS, places dental bridges at Moses Lake Family Dentistry. Bridges are completed across two appointments over a two to three week period. If you have a gap from a missing tooth and want to understand whether a bridge is the right solution for you, call 509-765-4351.
Call 509-765-4351 to discuss whether a bridge is the right option for your situation. Dr. Smith provides a clear, honest assessment at your consultation.
When Is a Dental Bridge Recommended?
A bridge is a practical option when:
- One or more adjacent teeth are missing and the gap is flanked by natural teeth on both sides
- The adjacent teeth already have significant decay or existing large restorations that make crowning them appropriate
- A faster treatment timeline is needed than the months required for implant osseointegration
- Bone density is insufficient for an implant without a bone graft and the patient prefers to avoid that additional procedure
- Cost considerations make a bridge a more practical choice than an implant at the time
A bridge is generally not the preferred option when the adjacent teeth are healthy and untouched, because preparing them for crowns removes healthy tooth structure. In that situation, Dr. Smith typically discusses an implant as the alternative that preserves more of what is already working.
How a Dental Bridge Is Placed
Appointment One: Preparing the Abutment Teeth
At the first appointment, Dr. Smith numbs the area with local anesthesia and prepares the two teeth on either side of the gap. Preparation involves reshaping the enamel of each abutment tooth to create space for the crowns that will anchor the bridge. Impressions are taken of the prepared teeth and the surrounding bite, and a shade match is recorded so the bridge can be fabricated to blend with your natural teeth. A temporary bridge is placed to protect the prepared abutment teeth and fill the gap while your permanent bridge is being made at the dental laboratory. Avoid very sticky or hard foods on the temporary bridge.
Laboratory Fabrication
Your bridge is fabricated at a dental laboratory using the impressions and records taken at your first appointment. The pontic is designed to match your natural teeth in size, shape, and shade. The bridge is made as a single connected piece spanning from one crown to the other. Most laboratory bridges are completed in approximately two weeks.
Appointment Two: Delivery
At your second appointment, Dr. Smith removes the temporary bridge and seats the permanent restoration. He checks the fit, the bite, and the appearance before cementing the bridge into place. Once cemented, the bridge is fixed in your mouth. It does not come out for cleaning and it functions like natural teeth for chewing.
Types of Dental Bridges
The most common type. One or more pontics are supported by crowns on the natural teeth on both sides of the gap. Requires two healthy teeth with adequate structure to serve as abutments.
The most common type. One or more pontics are supported by crowns on the natural teeth on both sides of the gap. Requires two healthy teeth with adequate structure to serve as abutments.
Instead of anchoring to natural teeth, the bridge crowns attach to implants placed in the jaw. This eliminates the need to involve natural teeth and addresses the bone resorption issue under the pontic, since the implants provide root-like stimulation. An implant-supported bridge is a good option when multiple teeth in a row are missing and implant placement is appropriate. Dr. Smith handles the bridge restoration; implant placement is performed by his oral surgery partners.
Caring for a Dental Bridge
The teeth underneath a bridge can still decay, and the gum tissue around the bridge can develop disease if oral hygiene is poor. Daily cleaning is essential. Brush along the gumline at the front and sides of the bridge crowns. Use a floss threader or interdental brush to clean underneath the pontic, between the pontic and the gum. This area accumulates food debris and bacteria if not cleaned regularly.
With consistent care, a well-fitted bridge can last 10 to 20 years. The most common reason bridges need replacement is decay developing on the abutment teeth underneath the crowns, which makes regular hygiene and checkups the most important factors in bridge longevity.
Cost and Insurance
The cost of a dental bridge at Moses Lake Family Dentistry depends on the number of units in the bridge, the materials used, and whether any preliminary procedures are needed. Delta Dental typically covers a portion of bridge costs when the bridge is placed for restorative reasons. Our team verifies your coverage and provides an estimate before treatment begins. Cherry financing is available for patients who want to spread the cost over time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges
How long does a dental bridge last?
With consistent oral hygiene and regular checkups, a dental bridge can last 10 to 20 years or longer. The most common cause of bridge failure is decay on the abutment teeth, so gumline hygiene and checkup attendance are the key factors.
Does getting a bridge hurt?
The preparation appointment is done with local anesthesia. You should not feel pain during the procedure. Some sensitivity in the abutment teeth is common for a few days while the temporary bridge is in place, and again briefly after the permanent bridge is seated. This typically resolves within a week or two.
Is a bridge better than an implant?
Neither is universally better. It depends on your specific situation. Implants do not require involving adjacent teeth and they prevent bone resorption under the gap. But they require adequate bone, involve surgery, and take several months. Bridges are faster and less invasive but require reshaping the abutment teeth and do not prevent bone loss under the pontic. Dr. Smith discusses both options at your consultation and gives you his recommendation based on your actual clinical situation.
How do I clean under a bridge?
Use a floss threader to pass floss underneath the pontic. Thread the floss under the bridge and move it back and forth along the gum surface and the sides of the pontic. An interdental brush or water flosser can also reach this area effectively. Our hygienists demonstrate the technique at your cleaning appointments.
Can a bridge replace more than one tooth?
Yes. A bridge can replace two, three, or occasionally more adjacent missing teeth, depending on the length of the span and the strength of the abutment teeth. Longer span bridges are used more selectively because the mechanical load increases with each pontic added. Dr. Smith evaluates whether a bridge span is appropriate based on your specific anatomy.
Call 509-765-4351 to schedule your dental bridge consultation. Most bridges are completed in two appointments over two to three weeks. No referral needed.