Fill Gaps Caused by 1 to 3 Missing Teeth
Sherwood Dental Care - Dental Bridges Full FAQs
A dental bridge is a permanent, hassle-free solution for missing teeth, seamlessly anchored to adjacent teeth or implants. Unlike removable options, fixed bridges stay securely in place, restoring both function and aesthetics. Filling these gaps is crucial—not only for a confident smile but also to prevent shifting teeth, bite issues, and difficulties with speaking or chewing.
Long-Lasting Benefits of Dental Bridges
Tooth loss doesn’t just affect your smile—it can also impact your comfort, confidence, and oral health. Dental bridges provide a long-term solution, restoring both function and stability while enhancing your overall dental well-being.
Comfort
Missing teeth can make everyday activities like eating and speaking uncomfortable or even painful. Dental bridges provide a secure, natural-looking replacement that restores oral function, allowing you to chew, speak, and smile with ease. By filling the gaps, they help eliminate discomfort and restore the smile you know and love. With proper care, a dental bridge can last over a decade.
Tooth Health
Your teeth play a vital role in maintaining facial structure and proper bite alignment. When a tooth is missing, nearby teeth can shift out of place, leading to misalignment and potential oral health issues. A dental bridge stabilizes your existing teeth, reducing the risk of complications like tooth decay, gum disease, jaw pain, and TMJ disorder.
Bone Health
Healthy teeth are essential for preserving a strong jawbone. Tooth loss can lead to bone deterioration over time, weakening the surrounding structures that support your teeth. A dental bridge helps maintain jawbone integrity by providing necessary support, preventing bone loss, and promoting overall oral stability.
The Cost of a Dental Bridge in Baton Rouge
The cost of a dental bridge varies based on individual needs and treatment specifics. Without insurance, prices typically range from $2,000 to $3,000 or more, while those with insurance can expect to pay an average of $800 to $1,200 or higher, depending on coverage.
- Type & Material – Costs depend on the bridge type and materials used, such as porcelain or metal alloys.
- Number of Missing Teeth – The more teeth that need replacement, the higher the overall cost.
- Procedure Complexity & Location – Costs vary based on the difficulty of the procedure and the dental provider’s location.
- Condition of Adjacent Teeth – Supporting teeth may require additional treatment, impacting the total price.
- Supplies & Equipment – The tools and materials needed for your custom bridge affect the final cost.
Factors Affecting Dental Bridge Costs
For an accurate estimate, an in-person consultation is essential. Since every patient’s dental needs are unique, a professional oral exam will help determine the best treatment options and exact pricing. If you have insurance, we can provide a detailed quote for submission, allowing you to understand your out-of-pocket costs upfront.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental bridges come in various types: permanent and semi-permanent. Referred to as fixed partial dentures, bridges are semi-permanent and attached to existing teeth or implants. Unlike dentures, which are removable and include both teeth and pink gum tissue, bridges are fixed and consist solely of teeth.
Cantilever bridges are used when there are no adjacent teeth on one side of the missing tooth. However, they are now less commonly recommended, especially for the back of the mouth, where excessive force can damage neighboring teeth. If you have missing teeth in the posterior region, alternative solutions may be more suitable.
The procedure typically requires two appointments, each lasting less than an hour.
Our practice primarily uses porcelain for dental bridges, offering both durability and aesthetic benefits. Bridges can also be made from gold alloys, non-precious alloys, or a combination of materials to meet individual needs.
A single crown alone cannot replace a missing tooth. Crowns require support from an existing prepared tooth, a post-supported partial tooth, or a dental implant beneath the gum line to ensure stability and functionality.
Yes, zirconia is a commonly used material for dental bridges. If you’re interested in zirconia bridges, we are happy to discuss the available materials and recommend the best option for your specific needs.
