Dental Bridges in Midtown East, NYC

A missing tooth can affect more than the appearance of your smile. It may also make chewing more difficult and allow nearby teeth to shift over time. Dr. Sonia Kohli provides custom dental bridges in Midtown East to replace missing teeth and restore a comfortable, natural-looking smile. Our East 48th Street office is conveniently located near Grand Central Terminal, Rockefeller Center, and the surrounding Midtown Manhattan area.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge replaces the visible portion of a missing tooth and helps close the space left behind. The replacement tooth, known as a pontic, is secured using supporting teeth or dental implants. Unlike a removable partial denture, a fixed bridge remains in place and can only be removed by a dental professional.

Each bridge is designed to fit the patient’s bite and complement the shape and color of the surrounding teeth. The appropriate design depends on the number and location of missing teeth, the health of the supporting teeth and gums, and the patient’s overall treatment goals.

When Is a Dental Bridge Recommended?

Dr. Kohli may recommend a dental bridge when one or more teeth are missing and there are healthy teeth or implants available to support the restoration. A bridge may be considered when a patient wants to:

• Replace one or more missing teeth
• Restore comfortable biting and chewing
• Improve the appearance of a gap in the smile
• Help prevent neighboring teeth from shifting
• Support proper alignment of the bite
• Choose a fixed alternative to a removable partial denture

A dental examination is necessary to determine whether a bridge is appropriate. Dr. Kohli will evaluate the space, surrounding teeth, gums, bite, and supporting bone before discussing your tooth replacement options.

What Are the Benefits of a Dental Bridge?

A properly designed dental bridge can help:

• Fill the visible space left by missing teeth
• Restore chewing and speaking function
• Create a more complete and balanced smile
• Distribute biting forces more evenly
• Help maintain the position of neighboring teeth
• Provide a fixed tooth replacement that does not need to be removed daily

Because every patient’s oral health is different, Dr. Kohli will explain the potential benefits, limitations, and maintenance requirements before recommending treatment.

What Types of Dental Bridges Are Available?

Dental bridges can be designed in several ways. The most appropriate type depends on the location of the missing tooth, the condition of the neighboring teeth, available bone support, and other clinical factors.

Traditional Dental Bridge

A traditional bridge uses dental crowns placed over teeth on both sides of the space. The replacement tooth is connected between these crowns. This design may be recommended when strong supporting teeth are available on each side of the gap.

Cantilever Bridge

A cantilever bridge is supported on only one side of the missing tooth. Because this design places additional pressure on the supporting tooth, it is appropriate only in certain situations.

Resin-Bonded Bridge

A resin-bonded bridge, sometimes called a Maryland bridge, uses a framework or wings bonded to the back of neighboring teeth. This option may require less alteration of the supporting teeth but is not appropriate for every area of the mouth.

Implant-Supported Bridge

An implant-supported bridge is secured by dental implants rather than natural teeth. It may be considered when several neighboring teeth are missing or when preserving the surrounding natural teeth is an important treatment consideration.

Dr. Kohli will explain which tooth replacement options may be appropriate after evaluating your oral health and the location of the missing tooth or teeth.

What Happens During the Dental Bridge Procedure?

1. Examination and treatment planning: Dr. Kohli examines your teeth, gums, bite, and the space left by the missing tooth. Dental X-rays or other diagnostic records may be taken to evaluate the supporting structures.
2. Preparing the supporting teeth: For a traditional bridge, the teeth on either side of the gap are carefully reshaped so they can support dental crowns.
3. Creating the bridge: An impression or digital scan is taken to record the prepared teeth, the missing-tooth space, and your bite.
4. Placing a temporary restoration: A temporary bridge may be placed to protect the prepared teeth while the final restoration is being created.
5. Fitting the final bridge: Dr. Kohli checks the bridge’s fit, appearance, and bite before securing it in place.

The exact treatment process and number of appointments depend on the type of bridge selected and the condition of the supporting teeth. Patients receive personalized instructions based on their treatment plan.

How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?

A dental bridge can function for many years with consistent oral hygiene and professional dental care. Its longevity depends on the bridge design and materials, the health of the supporting teeth and gums, biting forces, diet, and daily maintenance.

Bruxism and teeth grinding may place additional pressure on a bridge. If you clench or grind your teeth, Dr. Kohli may recommend treatment or a protective nightguard to help protect your restoration and natural teeth.

How Do I Care for a Dental Bridge?

The teeth and gums supporting a bridge must remain healthy. Although the replacement tooth cannot develop decay, plaque can accumulate around the bridge and supporting teeth.

To care for your dental bridge:

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Clean underneath the replacement tooth every day
• Use floss threaders, interdental brushes, or other recommended cleaning aids
• Attend routine dental examinations and professional cleanings
• Avoid chewing ice or other extremely hard objects
• Wear a nightguard if one is recommended for teeth grinding
• Contact the office if the bridge feels loose, damaged, or uncomfortable

Regular dental checkups and cleanings allow Dr. Kohli and the dental hygiene team to monitor the bridge, supporting teeth, and surrounding gums. The team can also demonstrate how to clean around and underneath your bridge effectively.

Dental Bridge vs. Dental Implant: What Is the Difference?

A traditional dental bridge is supported by neighboring teeth, while a dental implant replaces the missing tooth root and supports a separate crown or bridge. A traditional bridge usually does not require implant surgery, but the supporting teeth may need to be reshaped for crowns.

Dental implants do not require neighboring teeth to support the restoration, but implant treatment depends on factors such as bone availability, general health, healing time, and surgical candidacy. Neither option is automatically right for every patient.

Dr. Kohli can compare the benefits, limitations, treatment timelines, and maintenance needs of dental bridges and dental implants based on your individual situation.

How Much Does a Dental Bridge Cost in NYC?

The cost of a dental bridge varies depending on the number of missing teeth, bridge design, restorative material, condition of the supporting teeth, and whether additional dental treatment is required.

Dental insurance may provide partial coverage when a bridge is needed to restore missing teeth. Our team can review your recommended treatment, applicable insurance benefits, and estimated out-of-pocket expenses before treatment begins.

Learn more about our insurance and payment options.

Dental Bridges Near Grand Central and Rockefeller Center

Sonia Kohli DDS is located at 18 East 48th Street in Midtown East. Our location is convenient for patients seeking dental bridges near Grand Central Terminal, Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue, and Central Midtown.

Dr. Kohli provides personalized restorative care for Manhattan residents, professionals, and commuters. She carefully evaluates the supporting teeth and surrounding tissues before recommending a bridge or another tooth replacement option.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges

Is getting a dental bridge painful?

The supporting teeth and surrounding area are numbed during preparation to help keep you comfortable. Some temporary sensitivity or tenderness may occur after treatment, but it generally improves as the mouth adjusts.

How many appointments does a dental bridge require?

A traditional dental bridge commonly requires more than one appointment. The first visit may include preparing the supporting teeth and taking an impression or scan. A later visit is used to evaluate and place the final bridge. The exact number of appointments depends on the treatment plan.

Can a bridge replace more than one tooth?

A dental bridge may replace one or several neighboring teeth. Whether a bridge is appropriate depends on the length of the space, the location of the missing teeth, and the strength of the available support.

Does a dental bridge come out at night?

A fixed dental bridge does not come out at night and can only be removed by a dental professional. Removable partial dentures are a different type of tooth replacement that patients can take out for cleaning.

Can food get underneath a dental bridge?

Food and plaque can collect beneath the replacement tooth. Daily cleaning underneath the bridge with floss threaders, interdental brushes, or another recommended tool helps protect the supporting teeth and gums.

Does dental insurance cover bridges?

Many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for bridges when they are used to replace missing teeth. Benefits, deductibles, waiting periods, and annual limits vary by plan. Our team can help you review your applicable coverage.

Where can I get a dental bridge near Grand Central?

Dr. Sonia Kohli provides dental bridge consultations and restorative treatment at 18 East 48th Street in Midtown East. The office is conveniently located for patients who live, work, or commute near Grand Central Terminal.

Does Dr. Sonia Kohli provide dental bridges near Rockefeller Center?

Yes. Sonia Kohli DDS is located on East 48th Street in Midtown Manhattan, making the office convenient for patients coming from Rockefeller Center and the surrounding Central Midtown area.

Replace a Missing Tooth With a Custom Dental Bridge

If you are missing one or more teeth, Dr. Sonia Kohli can evaluate your smile and determine whether a dental bridge or another tooth replacement option is appropriate. Contact our Midtown East dental office to request an appointment near Grand Central and Rockefeller Center.