How long do dental bridges last?

With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, dental bridges commonly last many years, and many last well over a decade. Longevity depends on the type of bridge, the health of the supporting teeth, and your daily care. We will check your bridge at each visit and let you know if it needs attention.

Is getting a bridge uncomfortable?

Bridge treatment is done with local anesthetic, so most patients feel pressure but no pain during the appointment. Some mild sensitivity afterward is normal and usually fades within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers are typically all that is needed.

How is a bridge different from a dental implant?

A bridge replaces missing teeth by anchoring to the teeth on either side of the gap, while a dental implant replaces the tooth root with a post placed in the jaw and does not rely on neighboring teeth. Each has trade-offs in cost, care, and candidacy, and we will help you compare them at your consultation.

How many visits does a bridge take?

A traditional bridge usually takes two visits — one to prepare the supporting teeth and take impressions, and a second to place the finished bridge after it is made in a dental lab. We place a temporary in between so your teeth stay protected.

Does insurance cover dental bridges?

Many dental plans cover a portion of the cost when a bridge is needed to replace missing teeth, though coverage varies by plan. We are in-network with most major PPO plans, will file your claims for you, and can review your estimated costs before treatment begins.

Dental Bridges Spokane Valley

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring a row of replacement teeth to the healthy teeth or restorations on either side of the gap. The replacement tooth, called a pontic, fills the space where your natural tooth used to be.

Bridges restore the look of a complete smile and help you bite and chew more evenly. Filling a gap can also keep the surrounding teeth from gradually shifting out of position.

Many Spokane Valley patients choose a bridge because it is a fixed, non-removable option that looks and feels like a natural part of their smile.

Types of Bridges We May Recommend

The right type of bridge depends on where the gap is, how many teeth are missing, and the health of the teeth around it. Common options include:

A traditional bridge, which uses crowns on the natural teeth on each side of the gap to support the replacement tooth
A cantilever bridge, which is supported on one side when there is only a healthy tooth on one end of the gap
An implant-supported bridge, which uses dental implants rather than natural teeth to anchor the bridge

During your exam at our Spokane Valley office, we will explain which approach may suit your situation and review the trade-offs so you can make an informed choice.

What to Expect

For a traditional bridge, we begin by numbing the area and preparing the supporting teeth so crowns can fit over them. We then take a digital impression that guides the design of a bridge matched to your bite and the shade of your natural teeth.

While your custom bridge is being made, we place a temporary to protect the prepared teeth. At your follow-up visit, we check the fit and appearance of the permanent bridge and secure it in place, then fine-tune your bite so it feels comfortable.

We take time to keep each step clear and comfortable, and we are glad to answer your questions along the way.

Bridges Compared to Other Options

A bridge is one of several ways to replace missing teeth, and it is not always the best fit for every situation. Depending on your needs, we may also discuss dental implants or a partial denture.

Implants replace the tooth root and do not rely on the neighboring teeth for support, while a partial denture is removable. A bridge is fixed in place and often a good option when the teeth beside the gap could benefit from crowns anyway.

We will walk you through the differences in cost, longevity, and care so you can choose the option that fits your goals and budget.

Caring for Your Bridge

With good care, a dental bridge can last many years. The replacement tooth will not decay, but the supporting teeth and gumline around the bridge still need daily attention.

Brush twice a day, clean beneath the bridge with floss threaders or interdental brushes as we show you, and keep up with regular cleanings every six months so we can check the bridge and the teeth that support it.

If your bridge ever feels loose or the bite changes, let us know so we can take a look and address it early.

Bridges for Spokane Valley Families

Whether you have lived with a gap for a while or recently lost a tooth, our team is here to help you restore your smile in plain, no-pressure terms. We see patients of every age and explain each step clearly.

We are in-network with most major PPO plans and file claims for you, and we are happy to review payment options and estimated costs before treatment begins. Our goal is to make restoring your smile straightforward for busy Spokane Valley families.

Dental Bridges in Spokane Valley, WA