Treatment guide
Bridges
Two teeth being prepared at once can sound more involved than a single tooth, though the appointment itself follows the same unhurried structure. Numbing comes first, then each supporting tooth is shaped in turn, with your dentist describing every stage before it starts. Tell the team beforehand if dental visits make you nervous, and the appointment can be planned around a slower pace from the outset.
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Why patients consider it
Concerns this treatment is designed to address.
Two teeth being prepared at once can sound more involved than a single tooth, though the appointment itself follows the same unhurried structure. Numbing comes first, then each supporting tooth is shaped in turn, with your dentist describing every stage before it starts. Tell the team beforehand if dental visits make you nervous, and the appointment can be planned around a slower pace from the outset.
- Both teeth are numbed before any shaping starts
Local anaesthetic is given to each supporting tooth first, so the preparation itself should register mainly as pressure and vibration. - A pause is always available
A word to your dentist is all it takes to bring the pace right down, or to stop altogether for as long as you need. - A temporary bridge that settles within days
The temporary bridge closes the gap and protects both prepared teeth between visits, and most people stop noticing it within a few days.
What to expect
Every stage, explained clearly.
You are given time to settle first
Before any preparation begins, you have a moment to get comfortable in the chair, and this is a good point to raise any worry about the appointment or the gap itself.
Each supporting tooth is numbed, then shaped in turn
Local anaesthetic is given to both teeth, and your dentist reduces and reshapes them one at a time, checking in with you between the two.
We fit and check the temporary bridge
Your dentist checks it for fit and bite before you leave, so the gap stays closed and both prepared teeth stay protected while the permanent bridge is made.
Before your appointment
Useful things to know.
Will shaping the two supporting teeth hurt?
Both teeth are numbed with local anaesthetic first, so most patients feel only pressure as the shaping happens. Speak up at once if that changes.
What if I need a longer appointment because I feel nervous?
Say so when you book. Going more slowly does not change what is planned for the two supporting teeth, only the pace at which it happens.
Will the temporary bridge feel strange in my mouth?
It may feel slightly different from your own teeth at first, but most people settle into it within a few days. Tell your dentist if it feels loose or catches on your tongue.
Can I eat and speak normally with the temporary bridge in?
Most people manage everyday eating and speaking comfortably, though your dentist may suggest avoiding sticky or hard foods until the permanent bridge is fitted.
Plan your visit
Begin with a clear conversation.
Message the practice about what you have noticed, and the team will arrange a suitable assessment.
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