A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic device used to replace one or more missing teeth by joining an artificial tooth (pontic) to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. The process requires multiple precise steps and a laboratory fabrication period, meaning it is not completed in a single appointment. While chair time is relatively short, the entire timeline typically spans several weeks. For most patients, the procedure requires two main appointments separated by a waiting period, usually ranging from two to four weeks.
Initial Preparatory Steps and Chair Time
The first appointment is the most time-intensive visit, lasting between one and two hours depending on the complexity of the case. This session focuses entirely on preparing the mouth to receive the final restoration. The dentist administers local anesthesia before working on the abutment teeth, which are the natural teeth adjacent to the gap that will support the bridge.
The next step involves reduction, where the abutment teeth are carefully reshaped by removing a small amount of enamel. This preparation creates the necessary space for the bridge’s crowns to fit securely over the natural teeth without appearing bulky. The amount of tooth structure removed often depends on the bridge material chosen.
After preparation, the dentist takes accurate impressions or digital scans of the shaped teeth and surrounding area. These impressions serve as the blueprint for the dental laboratory to custom-design the final bridge, ensuring it fits perfectly and aligns with the opposing bite. A temporary bridge is then fabricated and cemented in place. This temporary restoration protects the prepared teeth and maintains aesthetics while the permanent bridge is being made.
The Laboratory Fabrication Phase
The laboratory fabrication phase occurs between the first and second appointments. Impressions or digital files are sent to a specialized dental laboratory for custom creation of the permanent bridge. Skilled technicians use these precise models to craft the bridge, ensuring the artificial tooth (pontic) and supporting crowns match the patient’s existing teeth in shape, size, and color.
The typical duration for fabrication is two to four weeks, though this time frame can vary. Factors influencing the turnaround time include the lab’s current workload, location, and the specific materials used. Bridges requiring high-strength materials like zirconia or multiple layers of porcelain for aesthetics may take slightly longer to manufacture.
During this waiting period, the temporary bridge protects the underlying prepared teeth and prevents adjacent teeth from shifting into the open space. Maintaining the integrity of the temporary restoration is important, as any movement could compromise the fit of the final permanent bridge.
Final Placement and Permanent Cementation
The final placement appointment is typically shorter than the initial visit, often lasting between 30 minutes and one hour. The session begins with the removal of the temporary bridge and cleaning of the abutment teeth to eliminate cement residue. The permanent bridge is then placed onto the prepared teeth for a trial fitting.
During this trial, the dentist checks the bridge for several factors. These include the marginal fit around the gum line, alignment with the opposing bite, and overall aesthetic appearance. Minor adjustments to the bridge’s surface or edges may be necessary to ensure comfort and proper function. The patient confirms that the restoration feels natural before proceeding.
Once the fit and aesthetics are confirmed, the bridge is permanently bonded to the abutment teeth using a strong dental cement. This cement creates a durable seal, making the bridge a fixed part of the patient’s mouth. Following cementation, the dentist provides specific instructions on post-procedure care. This includes avoiding sticky or hard foods temporarily and maintaining meticulous hygiene, including the use of special floss threaders to clean beneath the pontic.
Factors That Extend the Overall Timeline
While the standard two-appointment process spans a few weeks, several factors can significantly extend the overall timeline, sometimes adding weeks or months. The most common cause of delay is the necessity for pre-treatment procedures, which must be completed and healed before bridge preparation begins. For instance, if an abutment tooth requires a root canal for stability, that treatment adds a separate appointment and healing time.
Active gum disease must be treated and controlled before any restorative work proceeds, as a bridge placed on unhealthy foundations may fail prematurely. If a tooth extraction is necessary, several weeks of healing are required for the gum and bone to stabilize before an accurate impression can be taken. These prerequisite procedures can push the start of the bridge process back by a month or more.
The complexity of the restoration itself can also necessitate a longer timeline. Large span bridges replacing multiple missing teeth, or cases involving specialized materials, may require an additional try-in appointment. If the lab fabrication results in a bridge that does not fit correctly, the entire process must restart with a new impression, adding two to four weeks of lab time. Furthermore, if the bridge is supported by dental implants, the initial phase involves surgical placement followed by a three-to-six-month osseointegration period before bridge fabrication can begin.