A dental bridge is a great option for replacing a missing tooth when the teeth on either side of the gap are healthy.
Alternatively, two dental implants can be placed on either side of a gap.
A dental bridge requires two surrounding teeth, whether they are natural or artificial implants, on either side of the missing tooth. A false tooth which looks and functions exactly like a natural tooth is cemented in place between the two teeth. In certain circumstances, a single neighbouring tooth can be used to support the bridge.
No, not unless you tell them. Our experienced dental laboratory works tirelessly to ensure that your dental bridges and connecting crowns look exactly like your natural teeth.
Our beautiful and long lasting bridges usually take 2 weeks to create at our trusted laboratory, however, this process can be expedited in some cases where required. Therefore bridges normally require two appointments with the dentist.
At the first appointment, the tooth or teeth to be treated are numbed with local anaesthesia, which is used to block any sensations of discomfort. The teeth are then carefully shaped and any decay removed, following which a very advanced digital impression is taken to ensure a perfect fit for the bridge. The teeth will then be fitted with a temporary bridge to ensure comfort, stability and a normal appearance, and to allow you to chew and function normally.
At the next appointment, the temporary bridge is carefully removed and the permanent bridge gently placed over the tooth and tested for fit, comfort and aesthetics. Once any necessary alterations have been made, the bridge is fitted with a high strength dental bonding agent, and you will leave our practice with a new smile.
Have a look at the teeth either side of your gap. Already crowned, or full of old fillings? Then a bridge is often the obvious pick, since we’d be covering those teeth anyway, and you’re done in two visits. Nice healthy neighbours are a different story. We’d rather not file them down, so an implant usually wins there (it also stops the bone shrinking). There’s more on our dental implants page.
It’s charged per unit: £795 each, or £755 on our practice plan. A “unit” is just one tooth in the bridge. The classic bridge, one fake tooth with a crown either side holding it, comes to three. Your exact quote comes in writing once we’ve had a proper look.
Often 10 to 15 years, sometimes a lot longer. Funnily enough, the bridge itself rarely fails first. It’s the teeth holding it up that get decay or gum problems, so those are the ones to look after.
Your brush can’t get under the fake tooth, so food sits there unless you go after it. Floss threaders (a bit like a needle for floss) or a tiny interdental brush will. Our hygienist will find the right size and show you. Fiddly the first week, then it’s nothing.
If you would like to fill gaps between your natural teeth, contact Pinner Green Dental on 020 8866 0362 for an initial consultation.
