Who dental bridges are for
A bridge may be right for you if you are missing one or a few teeth in a row and the neighboring teeth are healthy enough to support it.
Replacing a missing tooth does more than fill a space. It helps maintain the shape of your face, keeps nearby teeth from drifting and spreads the forces of your bite more evenly.
How it works, step by step
- We examine the supporting teeth, gums and bone to confirm that a bridge is a sound option.
- We numb and shape the teeth on each side of the gap so they can hold the bridge.
- We take an impression and place a temporary bridge.
- When the permanent bridge is ready, we check the fit, bite and color, then cement it in place.
What to expect at our Hanford office
A bridge usually takes two or more visits. The preparation appointment is the longest. You will leave with a temporary bridge so that you are never without teeth in that area.
The success of a bridge depends on its foundation: the supporting teeth, the gums and the bone. That is why we check those carefully before recommending one, and why keeping the area clean afterward is so important.
Benefits
- Fills the gap left by missing teeth
- Helps maintain the shape of your face
- Relieves stress on your bite
- Stays in place, with no need to remove it
Aftercare
Clean under the bridge every day with a floss threader, an interdental brush or a water flosser. We will show you how.
Keep up with regular exams so we can check the supporting teeth and the gum tissue under the bridge.
Cost and insurance
A bridge requires shaping the teeth next to the gap. If those teeth are healthy and untouched, an implant-supported crown may preserve more tooth structure. We will go over both options, along with a partial denture, so you can compare.
Cost depends on how many teeth are being replaced and the material. Dental plans often cover part of a bridge; we will help you check your benefits.
You can pay your bill online, and our new patient page explains what to bring to your first visit.
Your dentist: Daniel W. Unzicker, DDS
Dr. Daniel Unzicker, DDS, provides dental bridges at our Hanford office. He is a general dentist who was born and raised in Hanford, graduated with high honors from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in 2012 and completed a general practice residency at Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center.
Page last updated November 10, 2026. This page is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment recommendation. If you have significant facial swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or trauma to the head or jaw, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
