Restoring The Function of Your Teeth | San Diego Dentist
Tooth loss can happen for various reasons, from decay and disease to injury or heredity. No matter what the cause of tooth loss is, it’s essential to fill in the gap to restore normal chewing function. One option to replace your missing tooth is a dental bridge.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge can fill the gap of one or more missing teeth with pontics (false teeth). It is supported by attaching it to the natural teeth or implants on either side of the gap. Bridges can be made from various materials that differ in cost, appearance, and durability. Click here to read more.
Do I Need a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges help those who have one missing tooth or several teeth. Suppose you have missing teeth from tooth decay, gum disease, injury, or due to a congenital condition. In this case, a dental bridge could be your answer to restoring your smile. To get a dental bridge, your San Diego dentist requires healthy teeth on either side of the missing teeth.
Why Get a Dental Bridge?
Replacing missing teeth is essential for several reasons. The longer a tooth is gone, the more the surrounding teeth shift towards the empty gap, affecting chewing and speech. The bone where the tooth is missing will begin to erode over time.
With eroding bone, comes a change in the shape of the face. A bridge will help keep your natural teeth in place and give you a smile you can be confident in.
Having one or several missing teeth can affect you in many ways. A dental bridge can:
- – help restore your smile
- – help restore the ability to chew properly
- – correct your speech and pronunciation
- – maintain the shape of your face
- – re-adjust bite to properly distribute the force when you chew
- – prevent remaining teeth from shifting out of the correct position
What Are the 4 Types of Dental Bridges?
There are four main types of bridges:
Traditional fixed bridge: This bridge is the most common and has two or more crowns and a filler tooth or teeth all connected. The crowns keep the bridge securely. Traditional bridges are made of porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, gold, and acrylic.
Cantilever bridge: In this bridge, the pontic connects to only one tooth. It is frequently an option for people with only teeth on one side of the gap.
Maryland dental bridge (resin-bonded bridge): This type of bridge is needed to replace missing front teeth. It is supported by wings on each side of the bridge that bond to your existing teeth.
Implant-supported bridge: This is very similar to a “traditional fixed bridge,” but rather than being cemented to neighboring teeth, it is held in place by dental implants.
What to Expect During a Dental Bridge Procedure?
Your San Diego dentist typically needs at least two appointments to complete a dental bridge procedure.
Teeth Preparation: During the first visit, your dentist reshapes the abutment teeth by removing part of the enamel to make enough room for the dental crown.
Impressions: Your San Diego dentist takes impressions or digitally scans your teeth. These impressions or scans are sent to a dental laboratory to create your bridge, false teeth, and crowns. While the lab makes your permanent bridge, you’ll have a temporary bridge to protect the exposed areas in your mouth.
Permanent bridge placement: During the second visit, your dentist removes your temporary bridge, and the permanent one is placed. Your dentist carefully checks the bridge and makes any needed adjustments to make sure it fits you comfortably.
Dental Bridge vs. Dental Implant
Dental bridges’ main advantage is that they are considered one of the most cost-effective methods for replacing missing teeth. They are a safe and effective option to restore your smile and prevent further dental issues. Follow this link to learn more.
Dental implants are the best option for replacement teeth but require surgery and a longer recovery time. Regardless of your treatment, talk with Dr. Young, your San Diego dentist, to see what option is best for your oral health.
Barbara Young | San Diego Dentist
Each patient is unique and has different needs with their new teeth. Dr. Young in San Diego, California, recommends bridges for patients with bone loss or significant damage that rule out the possibility of implants. Once the bridge is in place, you can enjoy chewing all your favorite foods effortlessly. Call your dentist in San Diego at (858) 273-7777 or email to schedule an appointment to see if a dental bridge is right for you!