Dental Bridges Near You
Chewing may be impacted if one or more teeth are missing, as well as speech, confidence, and the position of nearby teeth. A prosthetic tooth supported by nearby teeth or dental implants bridges the gap with a fixed dental bridge. Forest Heights Dental provides Dental Bridges in SE Calgary for patients who want a stable, natural-looking way to restore their smile and bite.
If you found us after searching “dentist near me,” our team can examine your teeth, gums, bite, and supporting structures before recommending treatment. A dentist in SE Calgary will explain your bridge options, expected treatment steps, estimated fees, and home-care needs before you decide how to proceed.
What are Dental Bridges?
One or multiple lost teeth can be replaced with a fixed restoration called a dental bridge. The replacement tooth, called a pontic, sits in the gap and is supported by dental crowns placed on nearby teeth or by dental implants. Only a dentist can remove a set bridge, which remains in your mouth.
Your dentist will assess your bite, the location of the missing tooth, the state of the surrounding teeth and gums, and the available support. These findings help determine which bridge design is most suitable for your mouth.
Types of Dental Bridges
The main types of dental bridges include:
Traditional bridge
A false tooth is supported by crowns placed on healthy teeth on both sides of the gap.
Cantilever bridge
The replacement tooth is supported from one side. This option is used only in selected cases.
Maryland or resin-bonded bridge
A replacement tooth is attached to wings bonded behind nearby teeth, often in the front of the mouth.
Implant-supported bridge
The bridge is anchored to dental implants rather than natural teeth.
The right selection depends on your oral health, the location and number of missing teeth, and the strength of the available support.
The Benefits of Receiving Dental Bridges
A properly planned dental bridge can:
- Use a fixed restoration to replace one or more lost teeth.
- Help restore chewing and speech affected by a gap.
- Help limit unwanted movement of nearby teeth.
- Improve the appearance of your smile.
- Support a more balanced bite when the bridge fits correctly.
- Provide a natural-looking option matched to the color and shape of nearby teeth.
How Are Dental Bridges Placed?
The process depends on the bridge design and your treatment needs. A traditional tooth-supported bridge commonly involves the following steps:
- Examination and planning: The dentist checks the supporting teeth, gums, bite, and the space left by the missing tooth. X-rays or digital scans may be taken when needed.
- Tooth preparation and impressions: The supporting teeth are shaped for crowns. An impression or digital scan is used to create the custom bridge, and a temporary bridge may be set to protect the prepared teeth.
- Bridge fabrication: The bridge is created in a dental laboratory to resemble the surrounding teeth in terms of size, form, and color.
- Fitting and placement: At the next visit, the temporary bridge is removed. The dentist checks the fit and bite, makes any needed adjustments, and cements the final bridge in place.
Mild tenderness or sensitivity may occur for a few days after treatment. Contact the clinic if discomfort becomes severe, lasts longer than expected, or the bridge feels loose or high when you bite.
Brush twice daily and clean under the bridge every day with a floss threader, super floss, an interdental brush, or another tool recommended by your dentist. Regular dental cleanings and checkups help the team monitor the supporting teeth, gums, and bridge.
Patients who search dental clinic SE Calgary often want clear answers before committing to treatment. To arrange an evaluation and find out if a bridge is right for you, get in touch with us.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges
The cost of a dental bridge depends on the bridge type, the number of teeth being replaced, the material used, the condition of the supporting teeth, and any treatment needed before placement. Insurance coverage also varies. Forest Heights Dental can provide a written estimate after examining your mouth and confirming the recommended treatment.
A dental bridge often lasts about 10 years and may last longer with daily cleaning, healthy supporting teeth and gums, and regular dental visits. Grinding, decay around the supporting teeth, gum disease, and hard or sticky foods can shorten its lifespan.
A well-fitted bridge should feel stable and comfortable once your mouth adjusts. It may feel different for the first few days because the shape and bite are new. Contact the clinic if the bridge feels loose, bulky, or high when you bite.
Most patients return to a normal diet after the bridge is fitted and any tenderness settles. Start with softer foods if the area feels sensitive. Avoid chewing ice and biting extremely sticky or hard foods that could weaken or harm the bridge.
A tooth-supported bridge uses the teeth beside the gap for support, which usually requires those teeth to be shaped for crowns. A single-tooth implant replaces the missing root and supports its own crown, so the neighboring teeth may not need preparation. Your oral health, bone support, treatment schedule, and financial situation will decide which option is best for you.
Local anesthetic is used when the supporting teeth are prepared, so you should not feel sharp pain during treatment. Mild sensitivity or gum tenderness can occur afterward. Call the clinic if pain is severe, worsens, or continues longer than expected.
Brush the bridge and surrounding teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Clean beneath the replacement tooth daily using a floss threader, super floss, an interdental brush, or a water flosser recommended by your dental team. This helps protect the supporting teeth and gums from plaque and decay.
A fixed dental bridge cannot be removed by the patient. A dentist can remove it if it becomes damaged, loose, or needs replacement. If you want an option that you can take out yourself, ask whether dentures are suitable for your needs.