Dental Bridges in Indianapolis & Greenwood, IN

Patients in Indianapolis can replace missing teeth and restore their beautiful smiles with the advanced dental bridges offered by One Family Dental. Our board-certified dentist, Dr. Prasad Sanku, utilizes the latest technology to create custom-fitted devices for each individual. With quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship, these tooth replacements can last 15-25 years or more. At One Family Dental, we make the entire procedure as comfortable as possible to help our patients regain confidence in their appearance and improve the function of their teeth.

What Are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are prosthetic devices that replace one or more missing teeth. They are anchored to the nearby natural teeth and fill the empty space between them. Bridges typically consist of two or more crowns placed over the natural teeth on both sides of the gap. These anchoring crowns are connected together by artificial teeth, which fill that gap. There are also other ways to anchor these devices. Dental bridges are fixed and can only be removed by a dentist.

Types of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges help to restore the smile and ability to chew and speak. There are three main types of these devices, each with its own method of anchoring:

A traditional bridge uses dental crowns on the teeth on both sides of the gap to anchor artificial teeth (pontics). The crowns provide support and hold the bridge firmly in place. A variation of this method is a cantilever dental bridge. It works similarly to a traditional bridge, but only one crown serves as an anchor instead of two.

A Maryland bridge includes a frame with metal wings that are bonded to the back of nearby teeth. Unlike traditional bridges, the Maryland type does not require crowning healthy, adjacent teeth. The metal wings provide support and bonding surfaces to hold the artificial replacement.

Implant-supported bridges rely on implants that are surgically placed in the jawbone. After the dental implant integrates with the bone, it provides a strong foundation to hold the bridge in place. Adjacent natural teeth are not used for anchoring. The implants provide stability and stimulate bone growth. This method can be used if there are at least 3 missing teeth in a row.

Preparation for Dental Bridges

Proper preparation is essential to ensure that dental bridges are custom-fitted and effective. It starts with a consultation to examine the area requiring a bridge and discuss options to replace the missing tooth or teeth. Our dentist takes impressions of the patient’s teeth to create a model that is used to manufacture a custom bridge in a dental laboratory. A temporary bridge may be placed while the permanent one is being made.

Dental Bridge Placement Procedure

Local anesthesia is administered to numb the target area. This is done by injecting lidocaine into the gums and soft tissues around the teeth that will support the device. The numbing helps patients undergo the procedure without any discomfort.

Anesthesia

The abutment (connecting) teeth on each side of the gap are prepared by removing some enamel and dentin to accommodate the crowns that anchor the prosthesis. The bridge is placed by bonding artificial teeth to the crowns on both sides of the empty space. During a cantilever replacement, only one crown is used.

REPLACING MISSING TEETH WITH A TRADITIONAL BRIDGE

Unlike the traditional method, a Maryland bridge only uses natural teeth without crowns as anchors. The prosthetic tooth (pontic) attaches to metal bands (wings) on the internal side and is bonded directly to the nearby natural teeth. It is a cost-effective and long-lasting restoration option.

MARYLAND BRIDGE

Dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone and act as artificial tooth roots to support a bridge. After osseointegration (fusing with the bone), the implants serve as anchors for the bridge. They provide greater stability than any other method.

IMPLANT-SUPPORTED BRIDGE

Anesthesia

Replacing Missing Teeth With a Traditional Bridge

MARYLAND BRIDGE

IMPLANT-SUPPORTED BRIDGE

Recovery After Dental Bridges

The recovery period after dental bridge placement typically lasts one to two weeks. During this time, patients can experience some discomfort, swelling, and minor bleeding. Soft foods are recommended for the first few days until soreness subsides. Good oral hygiene is important during recovery to keep the area clean while it heals. Patients may need to come back to the dentist for a follow-up appointment to make sure that the dental bridges are healing properly. The use of pain medication, ice packs, and saltwater rinses can help to manage any discomfort or inflammation. Within a couple of weeks, most patients are fully recovered.

Candidates for Dental Bridges

Potential candidates for dental bridges include patients with:

The decision to get a dental bridge is made jointly by the patient and our dentist after a thorough oral exam. While many people can be candidates, each case must be evaluated individually to see if this is the best restorative option for a person’s oral condition. Proper planning and care help to ensure that dental bridges provide functional and aesthetic improvements.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

When patients are missing one or more teeth, it can lead to problems with chewing, speaking, and maintaining the structure of the face. Therefore, replacements are important for both health and aesthetic reasons. A dental bridge is a great treatment that provides the following benefits:

Restores the ability to chew and speak properly by replacing missing teeth

Prevents remaining teeth from shifting positions or tilting into the empty space

Restores the natural shape of the face and smile

Reduces the risk of tooth decay or gum disease in nearby teeth

Distributes chewing forces properly to avoid overloading some teeth

Can be matched closely to the color and shape of natural teeth for a seamless look

Often requires less reduction of nearby healthy teeth than dental implants

Can be more affordable than other replacement options

Can last 15-25 years or longer – we can make a dental bridge permanent

Cost of Dental Bridge Indianapolis

The cost of dental bridge placement in Indianapolis ranges from $700 to $1,500 per tooth. The price of these devices can vary depending on the type of material that is used for crowns and artificial teeth. Lower-cost options include porcelain fused to metal, while higher-end choices are all-porcelain bridges. The number of teeth being replaced also impacts the total price. Simple bridges with two crowns anchoring a single artificial tooth are cheaper, while longer bridges with multiple pontics can cost significantly more. Other factors affecting the price are the patient’s insurance coverage and any additional procedures needed before placing the device. Overall, when considering dental bridges in Indianapolis, patients can expect to pay around $1,500 to $5,000, with the potential for the price to be higher or lower depending on each person’s unique case. However, One Family Dental offers Sunbit financing plans and a SMILE CLUB membership program to make the procedure more affordable.

What Makes Our Dental Bridges Different From Others?

We set ourselves apart by providing compassionate, personalized care utilizing the latest technological advancements. Our board-certified dentist, Dr. Sanku, combines his expertise with person-centered care to ensure that each patient feels comfortable. We invest in digital X-rays, 3D imaging, intraoral cameras, laser dentistry, and other state-of-the-art technologies to diagnose and resolve dental issues as effectively as possible. Whether providing general, cosmetic, or restorative treatment, we want the entire family to have positive experiences. Our blend of advanced equipment and attentive service allows One Family Dental to offer exceptional care in a warm, welcoming environment.

Our Happy Patients

Had a wonderful experience. Went in thinking I was going to have to get my tooth extracted . Doc came up with a plan got me fixed and back eating in no time. With minimal numbing the whole 9 . Great place to go atmosphere is great and nurses are very pleasant.

- Anitra Tyler

I am a new patient and very glad I chose this dentist office. I felt welcomed. Staff was professional and kind and I also felt comfortable when I got in “THE CHAIR”. I am one of those who has a little anxiety when it comes to “Dentist appt. today”. A big thank you and it was a pleasure to meet my new dentist family.

- Doushan Babb

One of if not the best dentist in Indy! I’ve have went there for years. An honest profession with a great and personable staff. I have never been disappointed with the service or diagnosis on any situation that they have come across with my wife and I or my daughter. Thanks for being there for our family!

- Jamie Murphy

Dr. Sanku and his staff are so kind and gentle. I certainly felt comfortably relaxed and I highly recommend One Family Dental

- Barbara Cripe

This office is efficient and I feel comfortable with my care. I had my wisdom teeth removed and it was not nearly as bad as stories I had heard. I feel welcomed by the staff and there are seldom any wait time. I have been going to this office for 19 years.

- Midge Kelley

schedule your family’s first appointment and start enjoying a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.