There are two main steps involved in the placement of a dental bridge.

• The first step is the preparation of the abutment teeth (teeth on either side of the missing tooth or teeth) for the crowns so that the bridge can sit in place. Some of the enamel (outer layer of the tooth) is removed to make a place for the crowns to sit later on. An impression of the prepared abutment teeth is taken using dental material like putty or alginate which gives an exact indentation of the prepared abutment teeth. Dental plaster is then poured on this impression to obtain the model of the teeth prepared for a dental bridge. This model is used by the dental laboratory to prepare the dental bridge. The dentist places a temporary bridge on the prepared teeth until a permanent bridge is prepared by the dental lab.
• The second step involves the removal of the temporary bridge and the permanent bridge is checked for its fit and its bite with the opposing teeth. If the bite is too high the dentist will adjust the bite using dental burs and handpiece. Most dentists prefer to take a trial of the permanent bridge first and only once the fit and bite is perfect, they tell the dental laboratory to glaze (polish) the permanent bridge. This permanent bridge is then fitted on the teeth using permanent dental cement. Some dentists prefer to fit it using a temporary cement and only once the patient is comfortable with the fit and bite of the bridge the dentist cements it using a permanent cement.

The dental bridge cost in Pune depends on several factors such as your locality, the expertise of the dentist, the type of material used, the total number of missing teeth, and if there is any additional treatment like a filling or root canal treatment required in the abutment teeth.

Generally, the cost is anywhere between 3000 INR per unit to 15,000 INR per unit. The cost varies depending on the type of crown selected and also differs in the case of different dentists.

Dental bridges usually last for 5 to 15 years or more depending on the oral hygiene maintenance of the patient.

It is easier to take care of a dental bridge than a denture. Proper brushing and rinsing of mouth after every meal is essential to maintain the dental bridge. The abutment teeth especially have to be maintained well as they support the dental bridge. Your dentist will show you a proper brushing technique and also recommend a special floss that can be used to clean the difficult to access areas of the teeth.