Dental Bridges

Stage 2: Bridge Procedure

Once all the pre-treatment preparations have been made, two appointments are needed to complete a bridge, The first visit to make any necessary preparations or refinements to the supporting teeth or take specific measurements, the second visit to fit the bridge.

Bridge Preparation

• A bridge preparation takes 30 to 90 minutes. Before commencing the surgical procedure, the relevant supporting teeth will be completely numbed with a local anaesthetic (unless your tooth has had a prior root canal treatment), so you will not feel any pain at all during the whole procedure, solely some pressure or vibrations.
• You may additionally be placed under prior IV sedation or General Anaesthesia depending on your concerns and agreed individualised treatment plan.

• If a crown is used as a retainer, substance is removed from all superficial aspects of your supporting teeth to create space and margins whereby your bridge can seamlessly and securely sit upon. If a wing is used as a retainer, surfaces on your supporting teeth that will encompass the wing will be freshened, cleaned and defined.

• An intraoral scan or mould of your supporting teeth and gap will be taken and sent to a dental laboratory to construct your bridge. You will be able to select the specific colour you would like your bridge to be in with your dentist.

• Finally, a tooth-coloured temporary bridge or a temporary denture is made to replace the gap whilst your final bridge is in the making.
• It will be beneficial to avoid biting on hard or chewy foods over a temporary bridge. Re-visit your dentist as soon as possible if this temporary bridge were to chip or come off prematurely.

Bridge Fit

• Your bridge fit appointment will last 20 to 45 minutes. The temporary bridge is removed and your final finished bridge tried-in to ensure that it is – secure, harmonious with your bite and neighbouring teeth, and that you are happy with its colour and overall appearance.
• Some minor refinements may need to be made. Once finalized, your bridge will be sealed in place on your supporting teeth with a cement. Local anaesthetic is often not needed for this part of the procedure.