Replacing a missing tooth with a bridge requires two or more appointments. During the first appointment, we prepare your teeth, create an impression of your teeth, and place a temporary bridge. The impression gives us an accurate working model of your mouth and allows us to re-create your natural bite. A dental laboratory uses the model to fabricate a bridge that will fit your teeth precisely. During your final appointment, we replace the temporary bridge with the new cantilever bridge.

We want the entire procedure to be comfortable, so first we make sure that your mouth is thoroughly numb. To prepare your teeth for the bridge, we remove any decay and use the dental handpiece to shape the teeth precisely.

To help us make a more accurate impression, we may put a small piece of string in the space between your teeth and gums. We use this string to gently push the gums away from your teeth. Finally, we place a temporary bridge, which you will wear while the laboratory creates your custom bridge.

The second visit During your second and final visit, we remove the temporary bridge and try in your new bridge. We check the fit and your bite, and when everything looks good, we cement your new cantilever bridge in place.