The preparation appointment is performed under local anaesthetic, so you will feel pressure and movement but not sharp pain. The abutment teeth are reshaped (drilled down) to receive the crowns — this is the most involved part of the process. After the appointment, mild sensitivity in the prepared teeth for a few days is normal. The fitting appointment (cementing the permanent bridge) is generally straightforward and comfortable. If you feel pain at any point, tell your dentist immediately.

Dental bridges at Paynless Dental start from $1,800 per unit. A typical 3-unit bridge (two crowns and one pontic) starts from $3,600. The Sydney market range for a 3-unit bridge is $3,500–$6,500 depending on materials, clinic location, and clinical complexity. A written itemised quote with ADA item codes (613 or 618 per unit) is always provided before treatment begins. Most private health fund extras policies cover bridges under major dental — contact your fund to confirm your entitlement.

With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, dental bridges typically last 10–15 years. The most common cause of early bridge failure is decay in the abutment teeth — caused by inadequate cleaning under the pontic. Using a floss threader or interdental brush under the bridge daily is the single most important thing you can do to extend its lifespan. Your dentist monitors the bridge at every check-up and will advise when replacement is needed.

Neither is universally better — the right option depends on your specific clinical situation. A bridge is non-surgical, completed in 2–4 weeks, and may be preferred when adjacent teeth already need crowns. A dental implant does not require reshaping adjacent teeth, preserves the jawbone beneath the gap, and is designed to be a longer-term solution — but requires surgery and 3–6 months of treatment. Your dentist at Paynless Dental will discuss both options honestly at your consultation and recommend the most appropriate choice for your situation.

You cannot pass normal floss under a bridge pontic. You need to use a floss threader to thread floss beneath the bridge and clean along the gumline. Alternatively, an interdental brush (available from any pharmacy) can be inserted under the bridge from the side. A water flosser on a gentle setting is also effective. Daily cleaning under the bridge is essential — without it, debris and bacteria accumulate under the pontic and cause decay in the abutment teeth. Your dentist will demonstrate the correct technique at your fitting appointment.

Most private health fund extras policies cover dental bridges under major dental cover. Contact your fund with ADA item 613 or 618 to confirm your rebate entitlement before your appointment. HICAPS is available at both clinics for on-the-spot claiming. Dental bridges are not covered by the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) — bridges fall under major dental, which CDBS does not include.

When a tooth is lost, the jawbone that supported it gradually resorbs (shrinks) over time because the root is no longer present to stimulate it. A dental bridge replaces the visible tooth but not the root — so bone resorption under the pontic continues after a bridge is placed. Over many years, this can change the fit of the bridge. A dental implant, by contrast, replaces the root and stimulates the bone, preventing resorption. This is one of the reasons implants are often preferred for younger patients with many years ahead. Your dentist will explain what this means for your specific situation.

Yes — a bridge can replace multiple consecutive missing teeth. Each additional missing tooth adds a pontic unit to the bridge, increasing the number of ADA item units and the overall cost. For longer spans (3 or more missing teeth in a row), your dentist will assess whether the abutment teeth are strong enough to support a longer bridge, or whether implants are a more clinically appropriate option. Your dentist will discuss the most suitable design at your consultation.