Fixed tooth replacement · Assessment first
Dental bridges in downtown Calgary
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. An assessment is needed to determine whether the space, neighbouring teeth or other supports, gums, bite, and maintenance needs make a bridge or another replacement path appropriate.
- Your dentist
- Dr. Michael Wu, General Dentist
- Hours
- Open from 7 AM on weekdays
- Insurance
- Direct billing, most plans
- Fees
- Explained before treatment begins
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Start with the missing-tooth space and what surrounds it
You may be replacing a tooth that was lost, removed, or never developed. You may have an existing bridge that needs assessment, or you may be comparing fixed and removable replacement paths. A bridge consultation looks beyond the gap to the health and support of the surrounding mouth.
A missing tooth does not automatically make a bridge the recommended option.
The bridge decision depends on more than the missing tooth
Dr. Wu reviews the missing-tooth history, goals, symptoms, neighbouring teeth, gums, bite, existing dental work, and relevant health information. Records or imaging may be recommended when clinically useful. The findings guide which replacement options deserve discussion.
- Missing-tooth spaceThe number and location of missing teeth and the dimensions of the space affect the replacement discussion.
- Neighbouring teeth or other supportsThe assessment considers whether the adjacent teeth are present, their condition, existing restorations, and whether preparing them would be appropriate. If implant support is considered, candidacy and care roles require separate assessment.
- Gums, bone, and biteThe surrounding tissues and forces on the proposed restoration may affect design, sequencing, maintenance, and whether another option is more appropriate.
- Cleaning accessThe plan should account for how daily cleaning can reach around the supports and beneath the replacement tooth or teeth.
If a bridge is recommended, confirm the design and sequence
The stages below are general. The clinic confirms the plan after assessment.
Compare the replacement options
Review why a fixed bridge is being considered, how it would be supported, what preparation may be required, and how it compares with implant-supported or removable care.
Confirm the health of the supports
Any teeth, implants, gums, or tissues expected to support the bridge need an appropriate assessment. Treatment required before the bridge should be identified in the plan.
Record the space and prepare as planned
The Canadian Dental Association describes common bridge treatment as preparing supporting teeth where required and making records used to create the restoration.
Evaluate the restoration before placement
The dentist checks factors such as fit, contacts, shape, appearance where relevant, and bite before the bridge is placed according to the approved plan.
Learn how to clean and maintain it
Daily cleaning must reach around the supporting teeth or implants and under the replacement tooth or teeth. The team will demonstrate the method and tools selected for the final design.
Compare the effect on supports, stages, maintenance, and fees
The findings decide which of these deserves discussion.
Tooth-supported fixed bridge
This path may use prepared neighbouring teeth to support the replacement. The condition of those teeth, the amount of preparation, existing restorations, cleaning access, and expected forces are part of the decision.
Implant-supported replacement
An implant-supported crown or bridge may avoid using natural teeth as the only support, but it introduces implant candidacy, surgery, healing, care-role, maintenance, and fee considerations.
Removable replacement
A removable option may replace one or more teeth without being fixed in place. Fit, support, comfort, cleaning, maintenance, appearance, and fees may differ from a fixed bridge.
Another plan
Depending on the findings and goals, the discussion may include monitoring the space, treating another condition first, or referral for further assessment.
Daily care must reach beneath the replacement teeth
The supporting teeth or implants and the tissues beneath a bridge still need daily care. The Canadian Dental Association advises brushing and cleaning under and around the artificial tooth or teeth. The exact method and tools depend on the bridge design and the spaces available.
- Ask for a demonstrationBefore leaving with the final restoration, ask the team to show how to reach under the bridge and around each support.
- Watch for a changeCall if the bridge feels loose, the bite changes, a support becomes painful, cleaning becomes difficult, or the surrounding tissues change. An examination is needed to identify the cause.
- Keep ongoing reviewsThe bridge, supporting teeth or implants, gums, and bite should be reviewed as part of the care plan.
Comparing this with an implant?
Dental Implant Assessments covers the other fixed replacement path, including candidacy, stages, and care roles.
Dental Implant AssessmentsAsk what the bridge estimate includes.
Fees depend on the examination findings, the care recommended, and the treatment you choose. Factors may include the number of missing teeth, condition of the supporting teeth or implants, records, treatment required before replacement, bridge design, material, laboratory work, provisional care, final placement, adjustments, implant stages, and referred care. Ask which provider and stage each estimate covers.
We can help submit eligible claims or estimates. Your plan determines coverage, limits, deductibles, exclusions, alternate-benefit rules, and whether the insurer pays the clinic directly. You are responsible for any amount not paid by your plan.
Confirm who provides each part of the replacement plan.
Dr. Michael Wu is a general dentist. He provides assessment and coordinated treatment planning. If your case requires care outside the clinic's scope, the team will explain the referral and how the stages connect.
About Dr. Michael WuPatients
Absolutely phenomenal dental office! Everyone is so friendly, accommodating, and knowledgeable about their work. I’ve been to many dental offices that care very little about their patients, but Dental at the Bow is certainly not one of them. Very glad I decided to start coming here.
Evan Poulson Amazing experience at Dental at the Bow! The staff is incredibly friendly and goes above and beyond to make sure you feel comfortable throughout the entire process. They are professional, caring, and always take the time to ensure a positive experience. Highly recommended!
ana suarez Over the past few months I've had to complete multiple dental procedures with Dr. Wu, each time the team has gotten me in quick for the emergency procedure and the work and professionalism has been exceptional. The quality of work has been great! Cannot thank them enough!
Jordan
Commonly Asked Questions
If your question is not answered here, call the clinic and the team will answer it.
What is a fixed dental bridge?
A fixed bridge replaces one or more missing teeth and is supported by natural teeth, dental implants, or another design selected for the situation. Unlike a removable replacement, the patient does not take it out for daily cleaning.
Do the teeth beside the gap need to be changed?
Some bridge designs use prepared neighbouring teeth for support. Whether that is appropriate depends on which teeth are present, their condition, existing restorations, bite, space, and reasonable alternatives.
How do I clean under a bridge?
Cleaning must reach beneath the replacement tooth or teeth and around the supports. The team should demonstrate the method and tools appropriate for the final bridge design.
How does a bridge compare with a dental implant?
The comparison includes the condition of neighbouring teeth, gums, bone, bite, preparation, surgery, healing, provider roles, maintenance, stages, and fees. An assessment is needed before either option is recommended.
How long does a bridge last?
No lifespan is promised. The bridge design, supporting teeth or implants, bite, cleaning, health changes, and ongoing care can affect its condition over time.
Will insurance cover a bridge?
Your plan determines coverage, limits, exclusions, alternate-benefit rules, and direct payment. Ask for an itemised estimate and review Insurance and Fees.
Start with the missing-tooth space and its supports.
Request a consultation to review the space, neighbouring teeth, gums, bite, reasonable replacement options, care roles, maintenance, and expected fees. The clinic will contact you to confirm availability. Submitting a request does not reserve an appointment or confirm that a bridge is appropriate.
