If you have a missing tooth, you already know it can affect more than just your smile. Chewing feels different. You might avoid certain foods. Over time, nearby teeth can start to shift into the empty space. A dental bridge is one of the most reliable solutions for this problem. At Lanier Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Buford, Dr. Alla Brown and Dr. Amanda Newberry have helped countless patients restore their smiles with custom bridges that look and feel natural.
What Exactly Is a Dental Bridge?
Before we get into the steps, let’s cover the basics. A dental bridge does exactly what it sounds like: it bridges the gap where a tooth is missing.
The bridge itself is usually made of porcelain or ceramic. It has a false tooth (called a pontic) in the middle, with crowns on either side. Those crowns attach to the healthy teeth next to your gap, anchoring the bridge securely in place.
Some bridges are supported by dental implants instead of natural teeth. Your dentist will help you decide which option is best for your situation.
Your First Visit: Consultation and Exam
The process begins with a thorough exam. Dr. Brown or Dr. Newberry will look at the missing tooth area, check the health of the surrounding teeth, and take X-rays.
They need to make sure the teeth on either side of the gap are strong enough to support a bridge. If those teeth have large fillings or other issues, they may need treatment first. Your dentist will also check your gums and bone levels to confirm a bridge is the right choice for you.
The Second Visit: Shaping and Impressions
Once you decide to move forward, the real work begins. Your dentist will numb the area to keep you comfortable. Then they will reshape the two teeth that will hold the bridge. This means removing a small amount of enamel so the crowns can fit properly over them. Don’t worry, this doesn’t hurt. You are completely numb during this step.
After the teeth are shaped, your dentist takes detailed impressions of the area. Those impressions go to a dental lab where skilled technicians will craft your permanent bridge. The lab work typically takes two to three weeks.
While you wait, you will leave with a temporary bridge. It protects the reshaped teeth and helps you eat and speak normally until your final restoration is ready.
The Third Visit: Fitting Your Permanent Bridge
Once your permanent bridge arrives from the lab, you come back for the fitting appointment. Your dentist removes the temporary bridge and checks how the new one fits.
They will look at the color, the shape, and how it contacts the surrounding teeth. They will also have you bite down to make sure your jaw closes comfortably. Sometimes small adjustments are needed to get everything just right.
Once everyone is happy with the fit, your dentist cements the bridge permanently into place. That means it will not come out again unless a dentist removes it.
Life With Your New Bridge
After the cementing appointment, you are done. You can eat, smile, and talk normally. Most patients adjust to their new bridge within a few days.
Taking care of a bridge is similar to caring for natural teeth. Brush twice a day and floss daily. Your dentist may recommend a special type of floss or a small brush called a floss threader to clean underneath the false tooth. Keeping that area clean prevents gum disease and decay on the supporting teeth.
With good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, a well-made bridge can last ten years or longer.
Ready to Fill the Gap?
Losing a tooth doesn’t mean living with an incomplete smile. A dental bridge is a proven, durable solution that restores both function and confidence.
If you are missing one or more teeth, talk to the team at Lanier Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Brown and Dr. Newberry will examine your mouth, answer your questions, and help you decide whether a bridge is the right choice for you.