Medically Reviewed by Dr. Soujanya Maddipati, DDS, MPH · University of Colorado Denver (DDS, 2013) · Texas-Licensed DDS · Last reviewed 2026
General Information Only: The content on this page is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Individual treatment needs vary. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Soujanya Maddipati, DDS, MPH to receive a personalized assessment. In a dental emergency, call 832-779-5522 or visit your nearest emergency room.
Many patients worry that a bridge means grinding down healthy teeth next to the gap, and whether spending thousands on a bridge is worth it when the adjacent teeth might have problems later.
Dr. Maddipati shows you X-rays of your adjacent teeth before any grinding and explains exactly how much tooth structure needs removal. She'll tell you upfront if those neighboring teeth already have large fillings that make them good candidates for crowns anyway.
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic used to replace one or more missing teeth. It consists of artificial teeth (pontics) held in place by crowns on either side of the gap.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
Prevent remaining teeth from drifting
Restore ability to chew and speak properly
Maintain the shape of your face
Evenly distribute bite forces
Types of Bridges
Traditional: Crown on each adjacent tooth with a pontic in between. Cantilever: Used when adjacent teeth exist on only one side. Maryland: Resin-bonded framework — less invasive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most bridges last 10-15 years with good care. The bridge itself rarely fails - problems usually happen with the supporting teeth getting decay under the crowns or gum disease around them.
Texas Medicaid covers bridges for front teeth that show when you smile, but rarely covers back teeth bridges. We accept Medicaid and can check your specific coverage before starting treatment.
First visit: numb the area, shape the adjacent teeth, take impressions (about 1.5 hours). You get a temporary bridge. Second visit 2-3 weeks later: remove temporary, try in permanent bridge, cement it (about 45 minutes).
Yes, Dr. Maddipati does all bridge work here at 11834 Airline Drive. We work with a local lab in Houston so your bridge usually comes back in 2-3 weeks instead of longer shipping times.
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