Losing a tooth can feel like a big deal. Maybe you lost it recently, or maybe it has been years. Either way, you have probably noticed changes. Chewing feels different. You might avoid certain foods. You catch yourself smiling with your lips closed.
The good news is that you have options. The dental bridge has helped millions of people restore their smiles.
At Valley Dental Health in Cockeysville, MD, Dr. Ashley Izadi and Dr. Roham Rafat help patients just like you every day. Whether you are missing one tooth or several, they can help you find the right solution.
What Exactly Is a Dental Bridge?
Think of a dental bridge exactly how it sounds. It “bridges” the gap where one or more teeth are missing.
A traditional bridge has three parts:
- The pontic (false tooth): This fills the empty space. It looks and functions like your natural tooth.
- Two abutments (crowns): These sit on the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. They anchor the bridge in place.
The result is a row of connected artificial teeth that seamlessly fill the gap. When done well, you cannot tell where your natural teeth end and the bridge begins.
When Is a Bridge the Right Choice?
Bridges work best for replacing one to three consecutive missing teeth. They are a great option if:
- The teeth on either side of the gap are healthy, but may need crowns anyway
- You are not a candidate for dental implants (due to bone loss or other health factors)
- You want a fixed solution that you do not have to remove
- You are looking for a more affordable alternative to implants
However, there is one important thing to know. To place a traditional bridge, your dentist must grind down the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. Even if those teeth are perfectly healthy, they get shaved down to make room for the crowns.
That is why Dr. Rafat, who is both a periodontist and a prosthodontist, often recommends dental implants when possible. Implants don’t require touching your healthy teeth. But for patients who cannot have implants or prefer a bridge, this remains a reliable, time-tested solution.
The Dental Bridge Process: What to Expect
Getting a bridge usually takes two visits to our Cockeysville office. Here is how it works.
First Visit: Preparation and Impressions
Dr. Izadi or Dr. Rafat will numb the area around the teeth that will support the bridge. They will gently reshape those teeth to make room for the crowns. This is permanent, but it is necessary for the bridge to fit properly.
Next, they take precise impressions of your teeth. These impressions are sent to a dental lab where skilled technicians fabricate your custom bridge.
While you wait for your permanent bridge (usually two to three weeks), you will wear a temporary bridge. It protects your teeth and lets you eat and smile normally.
Second Visit: Placement
Once your permanent bridge is ready, you return to our office. Dr. Izadi or Dr. Rafat will remove the temporary bridge and check the fit of the new one. They will make any necessary adjustments to ensure your bite feels comfortable and natural.
When everything is perfect, they cement the bridge permanently in place.
How to Care for Your Dental Bridge
A bridge can last 10 to 15 years or longer with proper care. But it does require a little extra attention.
- Brush twice a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Pay special attention to the area where the bridge meets your gum line.
- Floss daily, but differently. You cannot just floss between the bridge as you do with natural teeth. You will need to thread floss underneath the bridge to clean the abutment teeth. Your dentist or hygienist will show you how. Some patients prefer using a water flosser or special floss threaders.
- Visit us every six months. Regular cleanings are even more important when you have a bridge. Your hygienist can clean areas you might miss and check for any issues.
- Avoid hard and sticky foods. Chewing ice, hard candy, or sticky caramel can damage your bridge. Use common sense, and you will be fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does getting a dental bridge hurt?
The procedure is done under local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain. You may have some mild sensitivity after the appointment, but over-the-counter pain relievers usually handle it.
How long does a dental bridge last?
With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, a bridge can last 10 to 15 years or longer. Some patients get 20 years or more from theirs.
Can I eat normally with a bridge?
Yes. Once you adjust to the bridge (which usually takes a few days), you can eat most foods normally. Just avoid extremely hard or sticky foods that could damage the bridge.
Will my bridge look natural?
Absolutely. Dr. Izadi and Dr. Rafat use high-quality materials that match the color, shape, and translucency of your natural teeth. No one will know you have a bridge unless you tell them.
Does insurance cover dental bridges?
Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of a bridge because it is considered a restorative (not purely cosmetic) procedure. Our team will verify your benefits and explain your out-of-pocket costs before any treatment begins.
Ready to Restore Your Smile?
If you are missing one or more teeth, you do not have to live with gaps that affect your confidence and your health. Valley Dental Health is here to help.
Dr. Ashley Izadi and Dr. Roham Rafat have decades of combined experience and advanced training in restorative dentistry. They will listen to your goals, explain your options, and build a plan that fits your needs and your budget.
Call us today at 443-733-6613 or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located in Cockeysville, MD, and welcome patients from Timonium, Hunt Valley, Sparks, Phoenix, and all surrounding areas.