Q1. What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic device that replaces one or more missing teeth by literally ‘bridging’ the gap between the remaining natural teeth on either side. A traditional bridge consists of three main components: two dental crowns (called abutments) that are placed over the teeth on either side of the gap, and one or more prosthetic teeth (called pontics) that are suspended between the crowns, filling the space where the missing tooth or teeth once were. The entire structure is fabricated as a single connected unit, cemented permanently onto the abutment teeth, and functions as a natural part of your dental arch. You cannot remove it yourself; it stays in place permanently and is cared for with daily brushing and flossing, just like your natural teeth. Modern bridges are crafted from porcelain or ceramic materials that are shade-matched to your existing teeth, making them virtually indistinguishable from natural tooth structure.

Q2. What types of dental bridges are available at Summerlin Dental Solutions?

Dr. Cohan offers several types of dental bridges depending on the location of the missing tooth, the condition of the surrounding teeth, and your overall treatment goals. A traditional bridge is the most common type, using crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap to support the pontic. A cantilever bridge is used when there is only one natural tooth adjacent to the gap rather than teeth on both sides. A Maryland bridge (also called a resin-bonded bridge) uses a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of the adjacent teeth rather than full crowns, preserving more natural tooth structure. An implant-supported bridge uses dental implants rather than natural teeth as anchors, which is ideal for replacing multiple consecutive missing teeth without affecting the adjacent natural teeth. Dr. Cohan evaluates your specific case using our 3D CBCT imaging and TRIOS digital scanner to determine which bridge type will deliver the best long-term outcome for your situation.

Q3. How much does a dental bridge cost in Las Vegas?

The cost of a dental bridge in the Las Vegas area depends on the type of bridge, the number of teeth being replaced, the materials used, and the complexity of the case. A traditional three-unit porcelain bridge (replacing one missing tooth with a crown on each adjacent tooth) typically ranges from $2,500 to $5,000. Bridges replacing multiple missing teeth or requiring implant support will be higher. Most dental insurance plans cover bridges as a major restorative service at 50% to 60% after your deductible is met, and some plans cover up to 80% depending on the carrier and plan level. At Summerlin Dental Solutions, our front office team verifies your insurance benefits before treatment and provides a detailed cost estimate so you know your exact out-of-pocket responsibility. 0% interest financing through HFD is available for any remaining balance with approval in under a minute and no credit impact. HSA and FSA accounts can also be applied toward bridge treatment.

Q4. What is the difference between a dental bridge and a dental implant?

Both bridges and dental implants replace missing teeth, but they do so in fundamentally different ways. A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone that serves as an artificial root, topped with a crown. It stands independently without affecting adjacent teeth, preserves jawbone density through root stimulation, and can last a lifetime with proper care. A dental bridge relies on the teeth adjacent to the gap for support, which requires those teeth to be prepared (shaped down) for crowns. A bridge does not preserve bone in the area of the missing tooth because there is no root replacement beneath the pontic. However, a bridge is typically less expensive than an implant, does not require surgery, can be completed in two to three weeks rather than the three to six months an implant requires for healing, and is an excellent option when the adjacent teeth already need crowns or have existing large restorations. Dr. Cohan discusses both options during your consultation and recommends the approach that best fits your clinical situation, timeline, and budget.

Q5. How long does a dental bridge last?

A well-made dental bridge placed by an experienced dentist typically lasts 10 to 15 years, and many bridges last 20 years or longer with excellent home care and consistent preventive dental visits. The longevity of a bridge depends on the quality of the materials and fabrication, the precision of the fit (which is why Dr. Cohan uses the TRIOS digital scanner for impressions rather than less accurate putty trays), the health of the abutment teeth and surrounding gums, your daily oral hygiene habits, whether you grind or clench your teeth (a custom night guard is recommended for bridge patients who grind), and the consistency of your professional maintenance schedule. Dr. Cohan inspects your bridge at every check-up visit, evaluating the integrity of the margins, the health of the abutment teeth, and the condition of the cement bond, so any developing issues can be addressed before they lead to bridge failure.

Q6. Is getting a dental bridge painful?

Most patients experience little to no pain during the bridge procedure. Dr. Cohan uses local anesthesia to completely numb the treatment area before preparing the abutment teeth, so you should feel no pain during the appointment, only mild pressure and vibration. For patients who experience dental anxiety, Summerlin Dental Solutions offers three levels of sedation dentistry: nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for gentle relaxation, oral sedation for deeper calm, and IV sedation for patients who prefer to feel as though they slept through the procedure. Our spa-like comfort amenities, including warm blankets, noise-canceling headphones, complimentary beverages, and personal entertainment screens at every treatment chair, further enhance your comfort throughout the appointment. After the abutment teeth are prepared and the temporary bridge is placed, some patients experience mild sensitivity that typically resolves within a few days. Our team is the friendliest you will ever encounter at a dental office and will check on you throughout the procedure to ensure you are completely comfortable.

Q7. What does the dental bridge procedure involve?

The bridge procedure at Summerlin Dental Solutions typically requires two appointments spread over two to three weeks. At the first appointment, Dr. Cohan prepares the abutment teeth by reshaping them to accommodate the crowns that will support the bridge. She then captures precise digital impressions using our TRIOS scanner (no messy putty trays) and takes photographs and shade measurements to ensure the bridge will match your natural teeth perfectly. A temporary bridge is fabricated and placed to protect the prepared teeth and maintain your appearance while the permanent bridge is being crafted at the lab. The digital impressions and Dr. Cohan’s detailed specifications are sent to a premier dental ceramics laboratory where skilled technicians hand-craft the bridge to her exact design. At the second appointment (typically one to two weeks later), the temporary bridge is removed, the permanent bridge is tried in to check the fit, shade, and bite, and any necessary adjustments are made before it is permanently cemented in place. You leave with a restoration that looks, feels, and functions like your natural teeth.

Q8. Can a dental bridge replace more than one missing tooth?

Yes. While the most common bridge replaces a single missing tooth (a three-unit bridge), longer bridges can replace two, three, or even four consecutive missing teeth. However, longer bridges require more abutment teeth for support and are subject to greater biting forces, which means the design and engineering of the bridge become more complex and the demands on the supporting teeth increase. For patients missing three or more consecutive teeth, Dr. Cohan may recommend an implant-supported bridge rather than a traditional bridge, because implants provide independent support that does not rely on (and therefore does not stress) the natural teeth. For patients missing all or most teeth in an arch, All-on-4 implant restorations replace the entire arch on just four implants. Dr. Cohan uses our 3D CBCT scanner to evaluate bone quality, root length, and the structural integrity of the abutment teeth before recommending the most durable and conservative approach for your case.

Q9. How do I clean and care for a dental bridge?

Caring for a dental bridge requires the same daily brushing as natural teeth, plus a specific technique for cleaning beneath the pontic (the replacement tooth) where it sits above the gum tissue. Brush the bridge surfaces with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste twice daily, paying particular attention to where the bridge margins meet the gum line. Use a floss threader, super floss, or a water flosser (such as a Waterpik) to clean beneath the pontic every day, because food debris and plaque can accumulate in the space between the prosthetic tooth and the gum ridge. An interdental brush can also be helpful for cleaning the underside of the bridge. Maintain regular preventive care visits at Summerlin Dental Solutions every six months so Dr. Cohan and her hygiene team can professionally clean around and beneath the bridge, check the integrity of the cement bond and margins, and ensure the abutment teeth and surrounding gums remain healthy. With consistent care, your bridge will serve you beautifully for many years.

Q10. What happens if I do not replace a missing tooth?

Leaving a missing tooth unreplaced sets off a cascade of consequences that worsen over time. The teeth adjacent to the gap begin to shift and tilt into the empty space, changing your bite alignment and creating areas that are difficult to clean (increasing decay and gum disease risk). The tooth directly above or below the gap (the opposing tooth) begins to drift out of its socket because it has lost its biting partner, a process called super-eruption. The jawbone beneath the missing tooth resorbs because it is no longer stimulated by a root, which changes the contour of the gum tissue and can affect facial appearance over time. Chewing becomes less efficient because the missing tooth disrupts the normal distribution of biting forces. And the cosmetic impact of a visible gap can affect confidence and willingness to smile. A dental bridge addresses all of these issues by filling the space, stabilizing the adjacent teeth, restoring the bite, and maintaining the appearance of a complete smile. The sooner a missing tooth is replaced, the less shifting occurs and the simpler the treatment.

Q11. What is an implant-supported bridge?

An implant-supported bridge uses dental implants as anchors rather than natural teeth. Instead of placing crowns on the teeth adjacent to the gap, two or more titanium implants are surgically placed in the jawbone within the gap area, and the bridge is attached to the implants after they have healed and integrated with the bone. The primary advantages of an implant-supported bridge are that it does not require any modification of the healthy adjacent teeth, it preserves jawbone density in the gap area because the implants function as artificial roots, and it distributes biting forces directly into the bone rather than onto adjacent teeth. Implant-supported bridges are particularly beneficial for patients who are missing three or more consecutive teeth, whose adjacent teeth are healthy and do not need crowns, or who want the most long-lasting and bone-preserving restoration available. Dr. Cohan’s membership in the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) reflects specialized training in both the surgical and prosthetic aspects of implant-supported restorations.

Q12. What materials are dental bridges made from?

Modern dental bridges are fabricated from several materials, each with distinct advantages. All-porcelain (all-ceramic) bridges are the most aesthetically natural, with translucency and color properties that closely mimic real enamel. They are the preferred choice for front teeth where appearance is the primary concern. Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) bridges combine a metal framework for strength with a porcelain exterior for natural appearance. They offer excellent durability for back teeth that bear heavy chewing forces while still providing an aesthetically acceptable result. Zirconia bridges are crafted from a high-strength ceramic material that combines the durability of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain. Zirconia is exceptionally strong, highly biocompatible, and produces a natural-looking result that can withstand the forces of the back teeth while looking beautiful on the front teeth. At Summerlin Dental Solutions, Dr. Cohan recommends the material best suited for the location and function of your specific bridge, and her AACD-accredited cosmetic eye ensures the shade, contour, and translucency match your natural teeth seamlessly.

Q13. What technology does Summerlin Dental Solutions use for dental bridges?

Every piece of advanced technology at Summerlin Dental Solutions contributes to more precise, more comfortable, and more beautiful bridge outcomes. The TRIOS digital scanner captures precise 3D impressions of your prepared teeth without messy putty trays, producing a digital model so accurate that the bridge fabricated from it typically requires minimal or no adjustment at the delivery appointment. Our AI-assisted radiological analysis evaluates the health of the abutment teeth, identifies any hidden decay or root pathology, and assesses bone levels before bridge preparation begins. The 3D CBCT scanner provides detailed three-dimensional views of root length, bone density, and anatomy for complex cases or implant-supported bridge planning. Digital X-rays deliver instant imaging at up to 90% less radiation. Computerized shade-matching technology ensures the bridge color blends invisibly with your surrounding teeth. And dual-screen exam rooms display your diagnostic images and treatment plan in real time so you understand every aspect of your care.

Q14. What are Dr. Cohan’s qualifications for dental bridge placement?

Dr. Marianne Cohan brings a unique combination of restorative expertise and cosmetic artistry to every dental bridge case. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo with dual honors: the Operative Dentistry Award (recognizing clinical excellence in the precise restorative procedures that bridge preparation and cementation require) and the Periodontics Award (recognizing expertise in the gum and bone health that determines how long a bridge lasts). Her AACD Accreditation (held by fewer than 1% of dentists) ensures that the visible bridge components meet the highest cosmetic standards, matching the shade, contour, and translucency of your natural teeth. Her AAID membership (American Academy of Implant Dentistry) provides specialized training in implant-supported bridge options. She has been named Best Dentist in America through peer nomination and voted Best of Las Vegas 19 times across four categories including Best Cosmetic Dentist and Best Customer Service. She maintains additional memberships in the AAFE, ADA, Academy of Laser Dentistry, and Academy of General Dentistry. With more than 31 years of clinical experience and as the sole dentist at the practice, she personally manages every bridge case from preparation through delivery. You genuinely could not be in better hands.

Q15. Can a dental bridge be placed on the same day as an extraction?

In most cases, a permanent bridge cannot be placed on the same day as a tooth extraction because the extraction site needs time to heal and the surrounding bone and gum tissue need to stabilize before the abutment teeth are prepared and the bridge is fabricated. However, Dr. Cohan can place a temporary bridge or temporary prosthetic tooth on the day of extraction so you never have to be seen in public with a visible gap. The temporary restoration maintains your appearance, prevents the adjacent teeth from shifting during the healing period, and allows you to eat and speak comfortably while the permanent bridge is being planned and fabricated. Typical healing time before permanent bridge preparation is four to eight weeks after extraction, though this varies depending on the complexity of the extraction, whether bone grafting was performed, and individual healing rates. For patients who want the most permanent solution, Dr. Cohan may recommend a dental implant in the extraction site rather than a bridge, especially if the adjacent teeth are healthy and unrestored.

Q16. Will my dental bridge look natural?

When designed and fabricated by an experienced cosmetic dentist using modern materials and digital technology, a dental bridge should be virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth. At Summerlin Dental Solutions, Dr. Cohan achieves this natural result through computerized shade-matching technology that precisely identifies the color, translucency, and value of your surrounding teeth, TRIOS digital impressions that capture every contour of the prepared teeth for an exact fit, collaboration with a premier ceramics lab that specializes in hand-crafting restorations to match Dr. Cohan’s detailed specifications, and her AACD-accredited artistic eye that evaluates the bridge for proportion, contour, surface texture, and gingival harmony before final cementation. The bridge is designed not just to fill a gap but to look as though it grew there naturally. Patients frequently tell us that friends and family members cannot identify which tooth is the bridge, which is exactly the result Dr. Cohan strives for in every case.

Q17. Does dental insurance cover dental bridges in Las Vegas?

Yes. Most dental insurance plans cover dental bridges as a major restorative service, typically at 50% to 60% after your deductible is met. Some premium plans cover bridges at 70% to 80%. Annual maximum benefit limits apply, which for most plans range from $1,500 to $3,000 per year. At Summerlin Dental Solutions, our front office team performs a thorough insurance benefits verification before your bridge treatment begins, submits pre-authorization when required by your carrier, and provides a clear breakdown of estimated insurance coverage and out-of-pocket costs so there are no financial surprises. For any remaining balance, 0% interest financing through HFD is available with approval in under a minute and no credit score impact. HSA and FSA accounts can also be applied toward bridge treatment. Our team approaches financial discussions with patience, transparency, and zero pressure because we believe finances should never be a barrier to replacing a missing tooth.

Q18. Where is the closest dental bridge dentist near The Summit, The Ridges, and Queensridge?

Summerlin Dental Solutions is located at 851 S Rampart Blvd, Suite 230, Las Vegas, NV 89145, centrally positioned in the heart of Summerlin between Tivoli Village and Boca Park. Queensridge residents are just 5 to 10 minutes from our office. The Summit residents reach us in approximately 10 to 12 minutes via Town Center Drive and Rampart Boulevard. The Ridges residents connect via Rampart or the 215 Beltway in a similarly short drive. Having an AACD-accredited restorative dentist with TRIOS digital precision, AI-assisted diagnostics, and AAID implant-supported bridge capability within minutes of these communities means patients receive the highest standard of bridge dentistry without traveling to the medical district or coordinating care across multiple specialist offices. Call (702) 341-9160 to schedule your bridge consultation.

Q19. Can patients from Henderson, Centennial Hills, and Spring Valley get dental bridges at Summerlin Dental Solutions?

Yes. Henderson, Green Valley, and Anthem patients reach our Summerlin office in approximately 25 to 30 minutes via the 215 Beltway. Centennial Hills and North Las Vegas residents travel south on the 215 or US-95 in approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Spring Valley patients are just 10 to 15 minutes south along the 215 Beltway. Patients from all of these communities and all surrounding areas choose Summerlin Dental Solutions for bridge work because Dr. Cohan’s TRIOS digital impressions produce a more precise fit than traditional methods, her AACD-accredited aesthetic ensures the bridge looks indistinguishable from natural teeth, and her ability to offer both traditional bridges and implant-supported alternatives means you receive the recommendation that truly fits your case rather than the only option a limited-capability practice can provide. The bridge procedure requires only two appointments, making the total visit commitment manageable regardless of drive time.

Q20. How do I schedule a dental bridge consultation at Summerlin Dental Solutions?

Call (702) 341-9160 and let our team know you have a missing tooth or have been told you need a dental bridge. You can also book online through our website or begin with a virtual consultation from the comfort of your home. New patients can complete patient forms online before arriving to save time. Your consultation includes a comprehensive examination with Dr. Cohan, digital X-rays with AI-assisted analysis to evaluate the health of the teeth adjacent to the gap, a discussion of whether a traditional bridge, implant-supported bridge, or dental implant is the best approach for your case, a visual explanation of findings on our dual-screen monitors, and a detailed cost estimate with insurance verification and financing options. We are located at 851 S Rampart Blvd, Suite 230, in the heart of Summerlin near Tivoli Village and Boca Park. We proudly serve patients from The Summit, The Ridges, Queensridge, Henderson, Centennial Hills, Spring Valley, and all surrounding communities. You could not be in better hands at Summerlin Dental Solutions.

The Summit

One of Summerlin’s most prestigious guard-gated communities, The Summit is approximately 10 to 12 minutes from our office. Summit residents expect restorations that are both functionally flawless and cosmetically invisible, and Dr. Cohan’s combination of AACD-accredited artistry, TRIOS digital precision, and premier lab partnerships delivers bridge results that meet the highest aesthetic standard.

The Ridges

Nestled against Red Rock Canyon, The Ridges is a short drive from our office via Rampart Boulevard or the 215 Beltway. Ridges residents value Dr. Cohan’s sole-practitioner model for bridge work, where the same doctor who evaluates the abutment teeth is the one who prepares them, designs the bridge specifications, and cements the final restoration. That continuity produces better outcomes and eliminates the inconsistencies that arise when different providers handle different stages.

Queensridge

Our closest neighboring community at just 5 to 10 minutes from our office. Queensridge residents benefit from the shortest possible commute for both bridge appointments (preparation and delivery), making the two-visit process exceptionally convenient. Many Queensridge families have trusted Dr. Cohan with their restorative care for over two decades and have experienced firsthand the longevity of her bridge work.

Henderson

Henderson, Green Valley, and Anthem patients reach our Summerlin office in approximately 25 to 30 minutes via the 215 Beltway. Henderson patients choose Summerlin Dental Solutions for bridge work because Dr. Cohan’s ability to offer both traditional bridges and implant-supported options (through her AAID training) means the recommendation is based on what is best for the patient, not limited by the capabilities of the practice. The bridge procedure requires only two visits, making the total commitment manageable.

Centennial Hills

North Las Vegas and Centennial Hills residents travel south on the 215 or US-95 in approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Centennial Hills patients seeking bridges value the TRIOS digital scanning that produces more accurate impressions and better-fitting restorations than the traditional putty methods used at many offices, along with the AI diagnostics that ensure the abutment teeth are structurally sound before the bridge is designed.

Spring Valley

Located just south of Summerlin along the 215 Beltway, Spring Valley patients reach our office in 10 to 15 minutes. As one of our largest patient communities, Spring Valley residents include many bridge patients who discovered Summerlin Dental Solutions through recommendations from friends and neighbors whose bridges looked so natural that the question was not ‘Did you get dental work?’ but ‘Why is your smile looking so good?’

TRIOS Digital Scanner

The cornerstone of bridge precision at our practice. The TRIOS scanner captures a detailed 3D digital impression of the prepared abutment teeth and the surrounding anatomy in minutes, without the messy, uncomfortable putty trays used at most dental offices. The resulting digital model is more accurate than traditional impressions, which means the bridge fabricated from it fits more precisely, requires fewer adjustments at delivery, and seals more completely against the prepared tooth margins, reducing the risk of decay at the bridge junction over time.

AI-Assisted Radiology

Before any bridge preparation begins, the AI system reviews your diagnostic images alongside Dr. Cohan to evaluate the health of the proposed abutment teeth. It identifies hidden decay beneath existing fillings, hairline root fractures, periapical infections, and bone loss that could compromise the ability of an abutment tooth to support a bridge long-term. This diagnostic safety check prevents the costly scenario of placing a bridge on an abutment tooth that fails shortly after.

3D CBCT Scanner

For complex bridge cases, implant-supported bridge planning, or situations where bone quality and root anatomy need detailed three-dimensional evaluation, the CBCT scanner provides a complete view that flat X-rays cannot. This technology is particularly valuable for determining whether an implant-supported bridge is feasible and for planning the optimal implant positions within the bridge site.

Computerized Shade Matching

Digital shade analysis selects the exact porcelain shade that will make your bridge indistinguishable from the surrounding natural teeth. The technology accounts for the color, translucency, and value of your teeth under multiple lighting conditions, ensuring the bridge looks natural in daylight, indoor lighting, and flash photography.

Digital X-Rays

Providing instant imaging at up to 90% less radiation, digital X-rays assess the baseline condition of the abutment teeth, the width and depth of the gap, and the health of the opposing teeth before bridge design begins. Post-delivery X-rays verify the fit of the bridge margins and the health of the underlying tooth structure.

Soft Tissue Laser

For bridge cases where gum tissue has overgrown into the extraction site or where the gum contour around the abutment teeth needs refinement for optimal bridge fit and aesthetics, our soft tissue laser performs minimally invasive recontouring with less bleeding, no sutures, and faster healing than traditional methods.

Dual-Screen Exam Rooms

Every treatment room features dual monitors where Dr. Cohan displays your X-rays, CBCT images, and digital impressions during the bridge consultation. You see exactly why a bridge is recommended, how the adjacent teeth will support it, and what the different bridge options (traditional, cantilever, Maryland, implant-supported) would involve for your specific case. This visual approach ensures you make a fully informed decision about your tooth replacement.

Replace Your Missing Tooth with Confidence

Call (702) 341-9160 to schedule your bridge consultation.

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851 S Rampart Blvd, Suite 230  |  Las Vegas, NV 89145  |  Near Tivoli Village & Boca Park