01 Dental Bridges
✓ Medically reviewed by Dr. Neel Bhatavadekar, Periodontist & Implantologist
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth with a fixed restoration anchored to the teeth, or implants, on either side of the gap, without requiring surgery on the missing tooth site itself.
At Clarus Dental Specialities in Koregaon Park, bridges are planned and placed directly by Dr. Neel Bhatavadekar, Pune's only US Board Certified Periodontist and Implantologist.
Patients usually visit us for: one or two missing teeth preference for a fixed, non-removable option not wanting implant surgery an older bridge that needs replacing
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Bridge come loose or broken? Emergency slots may be available the same day, subject to the clinic's schedule. Call to confirm.
Quick answer: A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth with a fixed restoration made of a false tooth (pontic) anchored between crowns placed on the teeth, or implants, on either side of the gap. It's fixed in place, not removable, and doesn't require surgery when anchored to natural teeth. In Koregaon Park, Pune, bridges are planned and placed by Dr. Neel Bhatavadekar, a US Board Certified Periodontist and Implantologist.
Before You Book
But if you want treatment backed by science and done by a US Board Certified Specialist, you're in the right chair.
02 Overview
A bridge has three connected parts: a false tooth, called a pontic, that fills the gap, and two crowns on either side that anchor it to the adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth. Together they function as one fixed unit.
This differs from a dental implant, which uses its own titanium post as an artificial root rather than relying on neighbouring teeth, and from a denture, which is removable rather than fixed in place.
Choosing between these options involves a real trade-off: a bridge avoids implant surgery, but the adjacent teeth need to be reshaped to accept the anchoring crowns.
03 Candidacy
Whether a bridge is the right option depends on the condition of the adjacent teeth and how many teeth are missing.
04 Background
Unlike an implant, which creates its own support with a titanium post placed in the bone, a bridge borrows support from the natural teeth on either side of the gap. Those teeth are reshaped to accept crowns, which is what allows the bridge to stay fixed in place without surgery at the missing tooth site.
This is a genuine trade-off, not just a downside. Avoiding surgery is a real benefit for many patients, and reshaping otherwise healthy teeth is the cost of that choice, discussed openly before deciding.
05 Options
Which type of bridge fits depends on the condition of the surrounding teeth and whether an implant is also being considered.
Anchored to crowns on two natural teeth reshaped to support the bridge on either side of the gap.
Anchored to dental implants instead of natural teeth, avoiding the need to reshape healthy teeth.
Anchored to a crown on only one adjacent tooth, used in specific situations where only one side has a suitable anchor tooth.
06 Procedure
The gap and adjacent teeth are assessed to confirm a bridge is the right option and plan the approach.
The anchor teeth are reshaped under local anaesthesia to make room for the supporting crowns.
A precise impression or scan captures the prepared teeth and gap for the lab to work from.
A temporary bridge protects the prepared teeth and fills the gap while the final bridge is made.
The final bridge is checked for fit, shade, and bite, then cemented securely in place.
07 Cost Factors
Cost depends on how many teeth are being replaced and the type of bridge chosen. It's discussed only after examination, once the following are known:
A specific estimate is only meaningful after a clinical evaluation. This section is informational and is not a quotation.
If you've already been told you need a bridge, Dr. Neel is available to review your case, including whether an implant might be a better long-term fit.
08 Aftercare
Mild sensitivity around the prepared teeth is normal and typically settles quickly.
Sticky or hard foods are avoided on that side until the final bridge is fitted.
Special floss or a floss threader is used to clean underneath the pontic, where a standard floss can't reach.
Routine check-ups monitor the abutment teeth and the bridge's fit over time.
09 Limits
Being upfront about the trade-offs of a tooth-supported bridge matters:
10 Your Visit
The first appointment includes an examination of the gap and the adjacent teeth, along with a discussion of whether a bridge, an implant, or another option fits your situation best. If a bridge is agreed, preparation can often begin the same visit.
11 Why This Clinic
BDS (Nair Hospital Dental College, Mumbai) · Postgraduate periodontology training, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA · Diplomate, American Board of Periodontology (2008) · ITI Fellow, International Team for Implantology (2009)
Being able to offer both bridge and implant options under one roof is part of what comes with training as Pune's only US Board Certified Periodontist and Implantologist, Dr. Neel is also one of only two in India.
You get an honest comparison, not a recommendation limited to one treatment.
A periodontist's eye on the tissue around the anchor teeth and pontic.
What a bridge costs the adjacent teeth long-term is explained plainly.
The only dental clinic in Pune listed by the US Consulate Mumbai.
Patients can also read independent reviews on Google and Practo.
12 Visit Us
This dentist and dental clinic in Koregaon Park also treats patients from nearby areas of Pune. See the full Koregaon Park clinic page →
13 International Patients
Clarus Dental Specialities is the only dental clinic in Pune listed by the US Consulate Mumbai, and Dr. Neel holds a dual US-India dental license, giving NRI and overseas patients confidence in the standard of care available here.
A traditional tooth-supported bridge is often achievable within one visit window, since preparation and fitting the temporary happen in the first appointment, with the final bridge typically ready within one to two weeks.
14 FAQ
With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, a well-fitted bridge commonly lasts many years, though its lifespan is closely tied to the health of the anchor teeth.
Preparing the anchor teeth is done under local anaesthesia, so it isn't painful. Some mild sensitivity afterward is normal and settles within a few days.
A bridge relies on the adjacent natural teeth for support and doesn't require surgery. An implant places its own titanium post in the bone, preserving the neighbouring teeth but requiring a surgical procedure.
Yes, but it's worth discussing that a bridge involves reshaping those healthy teeth to support crowns, which is a permanent change worth weighing against an implant.
A special floss or a floss threader is used to clean underneath the pontic, where regular floss can't reach between the bridge and the gum.
Typically two to three visits: preparation and a temporary bridge at the first visit, then the final bridge fitted once the lab has made it.
Yes, within limits. A bridge can span more than one missing tooth, though very long spans put more load on the anchor teeth, so this is assessed carefully case by case.
1. Clinical literature on fixed dental bridge design and longevity, indexed on PubMed Central. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc
2. Dr. Neel Bhatavadekar's peer-reviewed publications, indexed on PubMed. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Call or WhatsApp the clinic directly to ask questions or set up a consultation with Dr. Neel Bhatavadekar.
This page provides general dental information and does not constitute a diagnosis, treatment plan, or medical advice. Outcomes vary by individual case. No specific results, costs, or timelines are guaranteed. Please consult Dr. Neel Bhatavadekar or a qualified specialist for advice specific to your condition.
