Dental Bridge Treatment in Plantation, FL

A missing tooth affects more than your smile - it changes how you chew, how you speak and how your other teeth line up over time. A dental bridge in Plantation, FL is a proven, natural-looking way to fill the gap.

At Westside Dental Center, Dr. Uttma Dham designs bridges from precise digital scans and mills many of them right here in our office from solid blocks of dental-grade ceramic - so your new teeth fit well and look like your own.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge - sometimes called a tooth bridge - replaces one or more missing teeth by "bridging" the gap. It's made of a replacement tooth (called a pontic) attached to crowns on either side. Those crowns are fitted over your natural teeth next to the gap, or onto dental implants, holding the bridge firmly in place. Unlike a partial denture, a bridge is fixed - it doesn't come out.

Types of dental bridges

• Traditional bridge: the replacement tooth is held by crowns placed on the healthy teeth on both sides of the gap. It's the most common type of bridge.
• Implant-supported bridge: the bridge is anchored to dental implants instead of natural teeth. An implant bridge is a great option when several teeth in a row are missing, and it doesn't rely on your neighboring teeth.

Bridge vs. implant: which is right for you?

Both are excellent ways to replace a missing tooth. A bridge is usually faster, doesn't require surgery and often costs less upfront, but the teeth next to the gap need to be reshaped for crowns. A single implant replaces the root as well as the tooth, helps preserve the jawbone and leaves your neighboring teeth untouched.

Dr. Dham will look at the health of your surrounding teeth, your bone and your budget, and help you choose the option that's right for you.

How long does a dental bridge last?

With good care, a dental bridge commonly lasts 10 to 15 years, and often longer. The key is keeping the supporting teeth and gums healthy: brush twice a day, clean under the bridge daily with a floss threader or water flosser, and keep up with your regular cleanings.

How much does a dental bridge cost?

The cost of a dental bridge depends on how many teeth it replaces, the material used and whether it's supported by natural teeth or implants. Many dental insurance plans cover part of the cost of a bridge. We'll review your benefits and give you a clear estimate before treatment, and monthly financing is available. See insurance and financing options.

What happens if you don't replace a missing tooth?

When a tooth is lost, the teeth next to the gap slowly tip and drift into the space, and the tooth above or below can drift too. Over time this can change your bite, make teeth harder to clean and lead to more problems. The jawbone where the tooth used to be also begins to shrink.

We provide dental bridges for patients from Plantation, Sunrise, Davie, Weston and Fort Lauderdale. Need a crown instead? See our same-day dental crowns.