A dental bridge typically takes two appointments. At the first visit, the teeth on either side of the gap are prepared and an impression is taken. A temporary bridge is worn while the permanent one is fabricated in a lab — usually 2 to 3 weeks. At the second visit, the permanent bridge is fitted and cemented into place.
Getting a dental bridge isn’t a same-day procedure, but it’s not a lengthy or difficult process either. Two appointments, a short lab wait, and a functional bite are the typical outcome. Here’s exactly what happens at each step.
Key Takeaways
- A traditional bridge requires two visits, typically 2 to 3 weeks apart
- At the first visit, the abutment teeth are shaped and an impression is taken; a temporary bridge protects the teeth while you wait
- At the second visit, the permanent bridge is tried in, adjusted if needed, and cemented
Preparing the Abutment Teeth
At the first appointment, the area is numbed with local anesthetic. The teeth on both sides of the gap — called abutment teeth — are reshaped. A layer of enamel is removed from each to make room for the crowns that anchor the bridge.
It’s important to understand that this change is permanent. The enamel doesn’t grow back. Those teeth will need crowns from this point forward, regardless of what happens with the bridge itself. It’s worth understanding before proceeding.
After shaping, an impression or digital scan of the prepared teeth is sent to the dental lab where the permanent bridge is fabricated. The first appointment typically takes 60 to 90 minutes.
The Temporary Bridge and Lab Fabrication
Before leaving the first appointment, a temporary bridge is placed. It protects the shaped abutment teeth, maintains the gap, and keeps neighboring teeth from shifting while you wait. You can eat and speak normally — just avoid sticky or hard foods that could dislodge it.
The dental lab crafts the permanent bridge from the impression, custom-matched to the shade and shape of your surrounding teeth. This takes about 2 to 3 weeks.
Fitting and Cementing the Permanent Bridge
At the second appointment, the temporary bridge is removed. The permanent bridge is tried in and checked for fit, bite, and appearance. Minor adjustments are made until everything is right. Once confirmed, it’s permanently cemented to the abutment teeth.
This visit typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. Some sensitivity around the abutment teeth for the first few days is normal as the surrounding tissue settles.
Does Getting a Bridge Hurt?
The procedure is performed under local anesthetic, so you won’t feel pain during the appointment. Some soreness and sensitivity around the abutment teeth is normal for a few days after the first visit. The second visit — placing the permanent bridge — is typically brief and comfortable.
If significant discomfort persists beyond a few days, or if your bite feels off, contact your dental office. A minor occlusal adjustment — a quick chairside correction to the bite — often resolves it. This is common and easy to address.
If you’re missing a tooth and considering a bridge, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kitts at our Edmonds office. He’ll review your situation, walk through which type of bridge fits, and give you a clear picture of what the process involves before you commit to anything.
