Dental Bridges in Cedar Hills, Portland, OR

Why Patients in Cedar Hills Choose Dental Bridges

A dental bridge does exactly what the name suggests: it bridges the space left by a missing tooth (or teeth). The restoration anchors to the teeth on either side of the gap, called abutment teeth, and a false tooth in the middle, called a pontic, fills the space. The result looks and functions like your natural tooth.

Patients often choose a bridge because it:

• Restores comfortable, even chewing
• Prevents neighboring teeth from drifting into the gap
• Maintains your bite alignment and jaw comfort
• Delivers a natural appearance that blends with surrounding teeth
• Avoids surgery, making it a good fit for patients who prefer a non-surgical path
• Typically requires fewer appointments than multi-stage alternatives

Dental Bridges vs. Dental Implants: Which Is Right for You?

Both a bridge and a dental implant can replace a missing tooth. The right choice depends on your bone health, timeline, budget, and how you feel about surgery. Dr. Zavari takes a conservative, patient-first approach: she explains your options clearly and lets you decide without pressure.

If you are not a surgical candidate, prefer a shorter treatment timeline, or want to keep costs lower upfront, a bridge is often a practical and lasting solution. If preserving jawbone for the long term is the priority, an implant may be worth the additional time and investment. We will walk through both options with you at your exam.

What to Expect During Your Dental Bridge Procedure

Multi-appointment procedures can feel uncertain, especially if dental visits already make you nervous. Here is what the process actually looks like, step by step.

First appointment: exam and tooth preparation Dr. Zavari examines the area and confirms the neighboring teeth are healthy enough to support the bridge. She then gently reshapes those abutment teeth to create a proper fit for the bridge. This part is done with local anesthesia, so you should feel pressure but not pain.

Impressions and digital scanning Rather than traditional putty trays, we use digital impressions to capture a precise scan of your teeth. The scan is sent to the dental lab, where your custom bridge is crafted to match the shape, size, and shade of your natural teeth. A dental crown is placed over each abutment tooth as part of the bridge structure.

Temporary bridge placement A temporary bridge protects the prepared teeth and keeps the gap covered while your permanent bridge is being made. Most patients find this stage comfortable and manageable.

Final appointment: bridge placement When the permanent bridge is ready, Dr. Zavari checks the fit, adjusts as needed, and bonds it in place. She will also walk you through how to clean under the bridge to keep it in good shape for years to come.

Are Dental Bridges Covered by Insurance?

Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of bridge treatment as a major restorative service, though the exact coverage varies by plan. Elite Dental Care is in-network with a number of carriers, including Delta Dental, Moda, ODS, Blue Cross Blue Shield, MetLife, Aetna, Cigna, United, Providence Health Plan, Guardian, and Assurant.

If cost is a concern, financing through CareCredit and LendingPoint can spread payments over time. Patients without insurance may qualify for our Elite Smile Savers Plan, an in-house membership plan that makes ongoing care more affordable. Visit our Insurance & Financing page for details, or ask our team when you reach out.