Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

Dental bridge procedure

4-minute read

What is a dental bridge procedure?

A dental bridge permanently replaces missing teeth with false teeth. The bridge is attached to the teeth on either side of the gap. Bridges are usually made of porcelain or metal, a mixture of the 2, or zirconia. They are fixed in place and, for some people, are an alternative to dentures.

When might you need a dental bridge?

You might need a dental bridge if you have a missing tooth or teeth and have healthy teeth on either side of the gap left by the missing teeth.

What happens during a dental bridge procedure?

First, the dentist will examine the mouth and ensure any tooth decay or gum disease is treated. They may take an x-ray and use equipment to take measurements of the teeth and mouth.

To prepare for a dental bridge, the dentist will usually file down the 2 healthy teeth on either side of the gap. They will then take a mould to make the bridge.

illustration of dental bridge
The dentist will usually file down healthy teeth to prepare the dental bridge.

You might be given a temporary bridge while waiting for your permanent bridge to be ready. If so, that is taken out once your permanent bridge has been prepared.

The permanent bridge is put in place when ready, and usually attached to the surrounding healthy teeth with dental cement. Or the dentist might anchor the bridge with a dental implant, which is surgically placed in the jaw. The dentist will need to check if dental implants are suitable for you.

How do you care for your dental bridge?

You’ll need to brush your bridge with fluoride toothpaste and floss, as is usually recommended for natural teeth. Regular visits to your dentist are also important.

What are the benefits and risks of a dental bridge procedure?

Dental bridges can help restore the smile and avoid someone feeling self-conscious about having missing teeth. Filling in the gap left by missing teeth is also important because, if the gap is not filled, the surrounding teeth might lean into the gap over time and change the way a person bites.

Bridges can last for many years if they are cared for properly. However, they can fail, usually due to decay of the natural teeth next to them, or failure of the cement.

What are the alternatives to dental bridges?

The main alternative to a dental bridge is using removable false teeth, known as a partial denture, which you can take out to clean. Another alternative is a dental implant.

Resources and support

You should talk to your health professional about the benefits and risks of getting a medical implant. Use the Therapeutic Goods Administration's guide on what to ask. The information is in English, Arabic, Croatian, Farsi, Greek, Italian, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish, Turkish and Vietnamese.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: January 2021


Back To Top

Need more information?

These trusted information partners have more on this topic.

Top results

Dentures - Better Health Channel

It is important to look after your dentures and your gums to keep your mouth healthy.

Read more on Better Health Channel website

Dentures - Australian Dental Association

Missing teeth can affect the ability to speak, eat and smile. It can also effect quality of life. One option to replacing missing teeth is to have dentures made and fitted by your dentist. 

Read more on Teeth.org.au website

Dental treatment - Better Health Channel

Modern techniques mean that dental and oral health treatment is almost always painless.

Read more on Better Health Channel website

Fees in your health care - NSW Health Care Complaints Commission

Information on the various fees and costs associated with Health Care

Read more on Health Care Complaints Commission NSW website

Tooth anatomy - MyDr.com.au

View this image of the structure of a normal tooth and see what's underneath the enamel of your teeth.

Read more on myDr website

Dental implants - Australian Dental Association

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that looks like a metal screw. The implant is put into the jawbone where the tooth was originally located.

Read more on Teeth.org.au website

Crowns, bridges and veneers - Australian Dental Association

Crown, bridge and veneer treatments are elective treatments that may be performed to fix damaged teeth but can also be used to change the visual appearance of teeth.

Read more on Teeth.org.au website

Five questions to ask your health professional before you get a medical implant

Medical devices that are implanted inside or on the surface of your body are considered higher risk therapeutic goods, and the decision to get one should not be taken lightly.

Read more on TGA – Therapeutic Goods Administration website

Dementia and its effect on oral health - Australian Dental Association

People with dementia and other age-related degenerative illnesses can be at greater risk of poor oral health.

Read more on Teeth.org.au website

ACD A-Z of Skin - Angular Cheilitis

A-Z OF SKIN Angular Cheilitis BACK TO A-Z SEARCH What is it? Also known as … Perlèche or Angular Stomatitis Angular Cheilitis is an inflammation of the corners of the mouth, often bilateral (it often affects both corners of the mouth)

Read more on Australasian College of Dermatologists website

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.