A Fixed Way to Fill the Gap — No Removable Pieces
Every bridge case starts with a digital 3D impression of the gap and the surrounding teeth — not a putty mold — so your bridge is fabricated to fit your exact bite from day one. Your case goes out under direct lab supervision while you wear a temporary bridge, and your permanent piece is typically seated 14–21 days later, followed by a verification appointment to confirm fit and bite.
With routine 6-month cleanings and good home care, your bridge is backed by a 3-to-5-year warranty (the exact term depends on your specific treatment) — not a marketing line, an actual commitment on the work. That warranty covers the restoration itself; it doesn’t cover new decay or damage caused by skipping cleanings or neglecting home care.
Your doctor examines the gap and the health of the teeth on either side, and takes a 3D digital scan. If there's enough healthy bone, an implant is usually recommended first — see "Bridge vs. Implant" below for why.
The teeth on either side of the gap are prepared to hold the crowns that anchor the bridge.
You leave that visit with a temporary bridge in place while your permanent piece is custom-built under lab supervision.
Your permanent bridge is fitted, adjusted, and cemented into place.
A follow-up visit confirms fit, bite, and comfort now that you've had a few days with it.
A standard 3-unit bridge (replacing one missing tooth, anchored by crowns on the two teeth next to it) runs $3,150 at Pioneer Valley Dental. For comparison, a dental implant for that same single tooth typically runs $3,600 to $3,700 — a bridge is usually the more affordable option, and it’s the path recommended when an implant isn’t a good fit for your bone or anatomy. You’ll get an itemized estimate at your consult, and our team will walk you through financing and membership plan options if needed.
A standard 3-unit bridge is $3,150. That covers one missing tooth replaced by a pontic anchored with crowns on the two adjacent teeth. You'll get an itemized estimate at your consult before anything is prepared.
A bridge anchors to the natural teeth on either side of the gap and replaces the missing tooth as a single fixed piece; an implant replaces a single tooth root-up and stands independently, without involving the neighboring teeth. When your bone and anatomy allow for it, Pioneer Valley Dental recommends an implant first — it's also usually the pricier option, running $3,600 to $3,700 versus $3,150 for a comparable bridge. A bridge becomes the recommended path specifically when an implant isn't a good option — not enough bone, or sinus or nerve position ruling it out. Your doctor can walk you through which fits your case at a consult.
With routine 6-month cleanings and good home care, it's backed by a 3-to-5-year warranty (the exact term depends on your treatment) — many bridges last well beyond that with good maintenance. The warranty covers the restoration itself, not new decay or damage from skipped cleanings or neglected home care.
The area is numbed with local anesthetic during preparation, and the same comfort options used throughout the practice — blankets, TV, headphones, and nitrous oxide — are available if you'd like them.
Typically two: one for the impression and anchor preparation (you leave with a temporary), and one 14–21 days later for the final placement, followed by a short verification visit.
Many dental plans cover a portion of a bridge when it's replacing a missing tooth. Our team can check your specific benefits before you start.
Yes — depending on the span and which teeth are supporting it, a bridge can replace more than one tooth in a row. Your doctor will confirm what's realistic for your case at a consult.
Brush and floss normally, though you may need a floss threader or water flosser to clean underneath the pontic. Routine cleanings help it last as long as possible.
