Dental Bridge in North Hollywood

What is a Dental Bridge?

If you have had a tooth extracted or lost a tooth, you may need a dental bridge to fill the gap. Only the crown is replaced by your bridge dental work. Some types are a bridge for one tooth while others can replace several of your teeth. Your dentist may also recommend an implant supported bridge. Your dental bridge cost depends on the type of bridge you need. If you have dental insurance, part of your cost may be covered. You will know what is covered by your dental insurance and your dental bridge cost prior to your procedure.
Your dentist uses either dental bonding or cement to attach your dental bridge to your teeth on both sides of the gap. Victory Plaza Dental Group in North Hollywood then anchors your dental bridge in place. Your fixed bridge has a natural appearance so it is virtually impossible to tell some of your teeth are missing. If you care for your permanent bridge correctly, it should last about 15 years. Your dental bridge ensures you can eat and speak comfortably.
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Dentist examining teeth of a female patient in dental clinic using dental tools.

Do I Need a Bridge Dental Work?

In the past, your main option to replace missing teeth was a dental bridge. Today, you should consider dental implants since they can prevent jaw bone erosion you may experience with options including dental bridges. Your implant supported bridge will also last a lot longer. You may or may not be a good candidate for dental implants. If the structure of your jawbone is eroded or weak, you will be unable to support a dental implant.
You also need to consider your dental bridge cost with insurance and without. Your dentist may recommend a different option to replace your missing tooth. If you have an autoimmune disease or diabetis, you may heal poorly and not be a good candidate for an implant supported bridge. If you lost a tooth due to an abscess, physical damage or decay, a dental bridge can be a good option to replace your missing tooth or teeth. If you had a tooth knocked out due to an accident, your best option may also be a dental bridge.
You can even use a dental bridge to fill in gaps where your adult teeth did not erupt. If you are missing several connected teeth, a dental bridge can be designed by your dentist with several false teeth attached. No matter which type of dental bridge or permanent bridge you have, it will rest against your gums before being attached with cement on both sides of your gap. Your dental bridge cost depends on the type of bridge you require.

Types of Dental Bridges

The kind of material your dentist used to make your dental bridge determines type and price.

Porcelain Dental Bridge

Your dental bridge cost is higher with porcelain. Your bridge is created using only tooth-colored porcelain. This is your most natural-appearing option but due to the fragility, is only used for front teeth. Metal covered with tooth-colored porcelain is used for your metal and porcelain dental bridge. This is a good choice for your back teeth because they offer more strength than all-porcelain bridges.
Your average cost is lower despite the added strength, but since this bridge does not appear natural it is only for your back teeth. You can also classify your dental bridge according to the way it is attached to your surrounding teeth and the way it fits in your mouth. Your dentist will recommend one of three dental bridge types depending on your specific situation.

Traditional Dental Bridge

Your traditional dental bridge offers an average cost since this is one of the most common types. Your North Hollywood dentist covers your teeth on both sides of the gap with dental crowns. This is a type of cap covering your entire tooth. Your false teeth or tooth are then attached to your crowns.

Cantilever Bridges

If you have lost one of your back teeth or several in a row, your dentist is unable to attach your dental bridge on both sides of your gap. In this instance, your dentist may recommend a cantilever bridge. This type of dental bridge is attached to your crown on just one side of your gap. Your tooth bridge cost will increase slightly if your North Hollywood dentist needs to crown a few of your teeth in front of your gap for additional support. You will need to have your dental bridge closely monitored due to the considerable strain on your teeth.

Maryland Bridges

A Marilyn bridge is directly attached to your teeth on both sides of the gap without covering your teeth with crowns first. This kind of bridge can only be used to replace one or two of your teeth. Often, a Marilyn is a bridge for one tooth only. Your North Hollywood dentist may recommend this type of bridge if the teeth located next to your missing tooth are unable to be filed for a crown.

What to Expect With a Fixed Bridge

Once your dentist tells you a dental bridge is necessary, you will most likely have questions including your price. The recommendation is to call your insurance carrier to find out how much does a dental bridge cost with insurance. Victory Plaza Dental Group will provide you with your specific dental bridge cost before dental insurance. Keep in mind, your dental bridge cost with insurance should be a lower price. Once you have approved your tooth bridge cost, the procedure is painless and simple.
You will need a minimum of two appointments to complete your procedure. First, the teeth on both sides of your gap are prepared. If you need crowns, some of your enamel is filed away to make space. An impression of your teeth is then made and sent to a lab. Your custom dental bridge is then created and received by your dentist in a few days. You will be given temporary crowns to prevent damage and sensitivity while waiting for your bridge. Pain during your appointment is eliminated with a local anesthetic.
During your second appointment, your temporary crowns are removed and your dental bridge is cemented into place. A temporary cement may be used so your dentist can evaluate the feel and fit of your bridge for a few weeks. During your third appointment, the fit will be discussed and any changes made prior to permanently cementing your bridge.

Recovery After a Dental Bridge

Once you have contacted your dental insurance carrier, determined your dental bridge cost and completed your procedure, you enter the recovery stage. For the first few days, you may experience a little sensitivity because the nerves in your teeth are activated during the procedure. If your teeth have been missing for a long time, you may initially feel awkward when talking or chewing. Your body will adapt and your bridge will soon feel like a natural tooth.
If you take proper care of your dental bridge, it can last at least 15 years. Simply follow the tips below.
  • Floss between your gums and dental bridge to ensure all oral bacteria is removed since it can result in gum disease.
  • Brush your teeth for a minimum of two minutes twice each day. Make certain your brush around your dental bridge in the same way as your natural teeth.
  • You can kill germs located in the tissues around your bridge by using an antiseptic mouthwash.
  • Schedule appointments for regular checkups to detect any problems with your bridge early. Your dental insurance may cover the cost of these appointments.
You do not need to follow any serious dietary restrictions after you receive your dental bridge. You should still minimize the amount of chewy and overly crunchy foods you eat because they can result in additional strain on the teeth supporting your bridge. As time passes, your teeth can start to shift. If you are eating something goey or sticky, chewing on the side of your mouth opposite your dental bridge helps.
If the teeth attached to your bridge start to ache or become painful, contact your North Hollywood dentist as soon as possible. If the gums surrounding your bridge are prone to bleeding or become red, sore or swollen, you should contact your dentist. These are symptoms of gum disease you need to address to help stop decay in the teeth attached to your bridge.

How Much Dental Bridge Cost?

An an option to replace your missing teeth, your dental bridge cost is affordable. Your price will vary, but if you have dental insurance, it should significantly decrease. If you are replacing one tooth, your price should be between $300 and $1,000. Your dental bridge cost will increase if you select an all-porcelain bridge as opposed to porcelain-fused or metal.
Your cost will increase if you require a cantilever bridge due to the extensive work necessary to support your bridge. Your dental insurance may cover your cost or consider your dental bridge cosmetic. In this instance, you will need to pay your cost out-of-pocket.

Pros and Cons of Dental Bridges

The pros and cons of dental bridges include:

Pros:

Your price for a bridge is less than an implant. Less precision is required and placing your bridge is not as invasive. You might decide a bridge is a better option than an implant due to the cost.
  • Bridges offer you more advantages than dentures. If you have enough healthy teeth, your dentist may recommend a bridge as opposed to dentures. Your bridge is anchored by healthy teeth where dentures are anchored to your gums with a temporary sealant.
  • You do not need a bone graft for a bridge. If you have been missing a tooth for a long time, your jawbone may have resorbed or become weakened. A bone graft is a type of surgical procedure to strengthen your jawbone by placing bone fragments beneath your gums. If you have implants, this procedure may be necessary.
  • A bridge is one of your fastest options. Your North Hollywood dentist can place a bridge faster than an implant. This is because you will not need a bone graft for a dental bridge.

Cons:

  • To receive a traditional bridge, your dentist will need to use crowns over your healthy teeth. The teeth on both sides of your bridge need to be shaved and capped. The risk of damaging your teeth will slightly increase.
  • Your bridge will not last for as long as an implant supported bridge. Implants should last for your entire life but a bridge will not.
If you have missing teeth and want to restore your function and smile, contact Victory Plaza Dental Group to schedule your personal consultation.
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