What Is the Typical Cost of a Dental Bridge in Lodi, NJ?

If you’re missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge is a common solution. Although there are a few different types of dental bridges, they all have a basic structure in common—one or more pontics, or replacement teeth, are held in place with abutments. Below, we answer some frequent questions our patients have about dental bridges, starting with the cost.

There are a number of factors involved in determining the cost of a dental bridge in Lodi, NJ. These include:

• The skill level of the dentist
• The number of teeth being replaced
• The type of dental bridge
• The material used to create the pontics

Traditional and cantilever bridges range between $2000 and $5000 for a single pontic, Maryland bridges are $1500 to $2500, and implant-supported bridges can be anywhere from $5000 to $15,000.

There are four main types of dental bridges:

• Traditional bridges involve placing a dental crown on the two teeth adjacent to your missing tooth (or teeth). The crowns are used as the abutments that hold the pontics in place.
• Cantilever bridges are used when only one adjacent tooth is available for support. Structurally, this type of bridge is similar to a traditional bridge except that one tooth is used as an abutment instead of two; this places extra stress on the supporting tooth.
• Maryland bridges bond a metal or porcelain framework to the backs of the abutment teeth rather than requiring crowns. This preserves the tooth structure, but can leave this type of bridge more prone to breakage.
• Implant-supported bridges are an excellent option because they do not need the support of adjacent teeth. Instead, they rely upon dental implants for support. These restorations are strong, stable, and protect against bone loss.

Although every patient is different and has their own unique needs, generally speaking, dental implants are preferred to traditional dental bridges because they don’t compromise healthy tooth structures by requiring crown placement and because they prevent bone loss in the jaw.

The lifespan of a dental bridge depends upon the type of bridge and the material chosen for its pontics; implant-supported bridges last the longest, while Maryland bridges tend to have the shortest lifespans. An average dental bridge lasts between five and 15 years.

No, getting a dental bridge is not painful. During any invasive procedure—placing the implants for an implant-supported bridge or preparing the abutment teeth for crowns—we use local anesthetic to ensure that you are comfortable while we work. Afterwards, you may have some tenderness and sensitivity, but this can usually be controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers.

If you’d like to learn more about dental bridges, contact us today at 862-247-8030 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Liao.