A well made bridge typically lasts ten to fifteen years, and often longer with consistent home care and regular cleanings. The supporting teeth underneath the crowns still need brushing and careful flossing. Dr. Shah inspects every bridge at routine visits to catch any early signs of wear or loosening.

The prep visit is done under local anesthesia, so the teeth being shaped are numb throughout. You may feel pressure but not pain. A temporary bridge protects the prepared teeth while the permanent one is made at the lab. Some sensitivity around the temporaries is normal and resolves once the final bridge is placed.

Both replace a missing tooth, but they work differently. An implant is a standalone replacement that does not involve adjacent teeth. A bridge uses the neighboring teeth as anchors, which means those teeth need to be shaped down. Bridges are often faster and less costly upfront. Dr. Shah will walk you through which option fits your bone health, timeline, and budget.

Regular floss cannot pass under the bridge the way it does between natural teeth. A floss threader, water flosser, or interdental brush can clean underneath the pontic, which is the replacement tooth in the middle. Dr. Shah will show you the right technique at your placement visit so the cleaning routine is clear from day one.

Possibly, but a long gap can cause the neighboring teeth to tilt and the bone underneath to shrink, which affects how well a bridge fits. Dr. Shah will assess the supporting teeth and the bone at your consultation and tell you what is realistic. In some cases an implant is a better long term fit.