At a glance
A dental bridge replaces a missing tooth with a false tooth held in place by crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap. It is cemented in and does not come out. A 3-unit bridge at Richmond Dental Care starts at $3,499.
It takes two visits: the anchor teeth are prepared at the first, and the final bridge is placed about 5 days later. Saturday appointments are available.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Visits | 2 visits; final bridge placed about 5 days after the first |
| Numbing | Local anesthetic to numb the area; you stay awake and comfortable |
| Price | Starting at $3,499 for a 3-unit bridge (see dental prices) |
| Between visits | You wear a temporary bridge |
| Insurance | Most PPO plans (benefits checked before your visit), Medicare Advantage plans with dental benefits, and Texas Medicaid/CHIP for children (DentaQuest, MCNA, UHC Dental) |
| Saturday appointments | Yes, Saturdays 9am–3pm, plus Tuesday and Wednesday |
Do you need a dental bridge?
A bridge is a good fit when one tooth is missing and the teeth on each side are healthy enough to support crowns. You might be considering one if:
- You have a gap from a tooth that was pulled or lost
- A tooth needs to come out (an extraction) and you want a fixed replacement that does not come out at night
- Chewing on one side has become harder because of a missing tooth
- The teeth next to the gap already need crowns because of large fillings or cracks
- An old bridge is loose, chipped or decayed underneath and needs replacing
If the teeth beside the gap are healthy and untouched, a single implant may be worth discussing, since it does not require shaping those teeth.
What happens at your bridge visits?
- We examine the gap and the anchor teeth and take X-rays to check the roots and bone.
- The anchor teeth are numbed and shaped so crowns can fit over them.
- We take an impression and choose a shade to match your other teeth.
- A temporary bridge is fitted to protect the teeth and fill the gap.
- About 5 days later, the temporary is removed, and we check the fit, color and bite of the final bridge.
- The bridge is cemented in place and we show you how to clean underneath it.
Cost, insurance and financing
A 3-unit bridge, which replaces one missing tooth using two anchor crowns, starts at $3,499. A longer bridge, or one that needs a root canal or extra tooth buildup first, is quoted in writing before treatment; see dental prices.
Most PPO plans and Medicare Advantage plans with dental benefits help pay for this kind of treatment. We check your benefits before your visit and tell you what your plan is likely to cover, so the number you see is close to the number you pay. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover routine dental care. Texas Medicaid/CHIP is accepted for children only. See our insurance page for details.
We accept Cherry, Sunbit and CareCredit for patient financing (see financing options), and you can use an FSA or HSA card for dental treatment.
Recovery and aftercare
The anchor teeth may be sensitive to cold for a few days. If your bite feels high once the numbness wears off, call us to have it adjusted.
Food can collect under the false tooth, so clean there every day with a floss threader, super floss or a water flosser. Regular exams and cleanings help catch decay at the edges of the anchor crowns early.
What are the alternatives to a bridge?
| Option | How it works | Things to consider |
|---|---|---|
| 3-unit bridge | False tooth fixed to crowns on the teeth beside the gap | Fixed in place; anchor teeth are shaped; from $3,499 |
| Single implant | A post in the jaw holds one crown | Does not touch neighboring teeth; longer timeline; written estimate |
| Partial denture | Removable plate with replacement teeth | Can replace several teeth at once; from $1,399; comes out to clean |
| Leave the gap | No treatment | No cost now, but nearby teeth can tip or drift into the space |
When to call us
Call us if your bridge feels loose, comes off, cracks, or if the gum around an anchor tooth is swollen or painful. Keep a bridge that comes off and bring it with you. We see dental emergencies the same day during office hours, so call first. Call (832) 612-2831 — we’re open Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, 9am–3pm.
Why patients in Richmond choose us
- Saturday appointments from 9am to 3pm, plus Tuesday and Wednesday, so treatment does not have to mean a day off work (Saturday dentist in Richmond).
- Published self-pay prices for common treatment and a written estimate for everything else, with insurance benefits checked before your visit.
- Bridges planned, prepared and placed in our office as part of our restorative dentistry, with a published starting price of $3,499 for a 3-unit bridge.
- Two dentists, Dr. Arpitkumar Patel and Dr. Harsh Patel, and a team that speaks English, Spanish, Gujarati and Hindi.
Related guides
- Replacing a failing or old dental bridge
- How long does a dental crown last?
- Saturday crown appointments in Richmond
- Senior dentistry: what your smile needs as you get older
Frequently asked questions
A bridge is cemented to your teeth and stays in. A partial denture clips onto your teeth and comes out for cleaning and at night. A partial can replace several teeth in different places; a 3-unit bridge replaces one.
Yes. Both the preparation visit and the visit to place the final bridge can be scheduled on a Saturday between 9am and 3pm.
Yes. We check whether the anchor teeth are still healthy, remove the old bridge and make a new one. If an anchor tooth has decay or infection, it may need treatment first.
Once the final bridge is placed and your bite is adjusted, most people eat normally. Avoid biting very hard objects like ice, which can chip any crown or bridge.