Bridges in Federal Hill

What a bridge is

A bridge fills the gap left by a missing tooth by anchoring a replacement to the teeth on either side. The replacement tooth sits where the old one was, and the two neighbors carry it.

Closing a gap is not only about how it looks. Teeth drift into a space over time, and the tooth opposite the gap can start to over-erupt, so a missing tooth quietly changes the bite around it.

A bridge or an implant

Both replace a missing tooth and they go about it differently.

• A bridge needs no surgery and takes less time overall, but the two supporting teeth have to be prepared to hold it, and those may be perfectly healthy teeth.
• An implant leaves the neighboring teeth untouched and stands on its own, but it involves surgery and a longer process.

Dr. Ellis will go through both for your particular gap rather than steering you toward one.

What happens at your appointment

The supporting teeth are numbed and shaped, then a scan or impression is taken so the bridge can be made to fit the gap and match your other teeth. Fitting it is a separate visit.

Cleaning around a bridge

A bridge needs cleaning underneath, where ordinary floss cannot reach because the teeth are joined together. A floss threader or an interdental brush does it, and we will show you how at the fitting.

This is the part that decides how long a bridge lasts. The bridge does not decay, but the teeth holding it up can.

Cost and insurance

Most plans cover part of the cost. Check yours on the Insurance Plans Accepted page and we will submit the claim for you.