Dental Bridges in Scarborough

Cost depends on how many teeth the bridge replaces and the crown material used. A bridge is often less costly upfront than an implant, though it involves reshaping the supporting teeth. Insurance and CDCP eligibility can offset part of the cost. We give you a written quote after your exam.

With good care and regular checkups, a bridge often lasts 10 to 15 years or longer, though this depends on the health of the supporting teeth and how well you keep the area clean. We check bridges at every routine exam for any early signs of wear.

It depends on your teeth, bone, timeline, and preferences. A bridge is generally faster and doesn't require surgery, but it involves shaping the neighbouring teeth. An implant stands on its own but takes months to complete. We'll walk you through both honestly so you can decide what fits your situation.

We numb the supporting teeth with local anaesthetic before shaping them for crowns, so the procedure itself shouldn't be painful. Some sensitivity or mild soreness afterward is common for a few days, similar to what you might feel after a filling.

A traditional bridge typically takes two visits: one to prepare the supporting teeth, take an impression, and fit a temporary bridge, and a second a few weeks later once the lab has finished the final piece, to fit and cement it permanently. You'll wear the temporary in between to protect the prepared teeth and keep your bite comfortable while you wait.

Yes, once your bridge is fully cemented, it functions much like your natural teeth for everyday eating, including foods that would have been difficult to chew with a gap. We recommend being a bit cautious with very hard or sticky foods, such as ice or caramel, which can be true of any dental restoration and can loosen the cement over time if you're not careful.

Because a bridge is fixed in place, regular flossing doesn't reach underneath it the usual way. We'll show you how to use a floss threader or a small interdental brush designed for bridges, so the area underneath stays clean and free of plaque.

If a tooth supporting the bridge develops decay, it usually needs to be treated, which may involve removing the bridge temporarily depending on the extent of the problem. This is one reason we recommend keeping up with regular checkups and cleaning carefully around the bridge.