The dental bridge fills the gap between two healthy teeth where one or more teeth are missing. A gap from a missing tooth will eventually cause the abutting teeth to rotate or shift into the empty space. This can lead to misaligned teeth, which can cause gum disease, temporomandibular joint disorders, or other problems. With the help of digital technology, a custom bridge can be fabricated while you wait. First, your doctor applies a numbing agent to the area to prepare the teeth on either side of the missing tooth. These teeth will become the support structure for the bridge. Then using an intraoral scanner, the prepared teeth are imaged to aid your doctor in designing the final restoration. Once your permanent bridge is ready, your doctor makes final adjustments and cements it into place. Getting a bridge is a common procedure that can protect your teeth for years and restore them to optimal function and appearance.