Dental Bridge FAQ
San Diego, California
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a false tooth, known as a pontic, used to replace a missing tooth. It can be anchored in position in four different ways, using either crowns over neighboring teeth, or dental implants.
If you leave a gap between teeth for too long, it increases the risk of other dental problems.
- Other teeth can drift out of position
- Decay and gum disease can spread
- Bone can shrink
Bridges fill that missing space, and can reduce those risks. When they are supported by dental implants, they fill the gap left by the missing tooth root, as well as the gap from the missing tooth. They are also a pleasing alternative to missing teeth. They can increase your confidence and heighten your cheerfulness.
Bridges must be properly maintained by regular brushing and flossing, but they will last upwards of ten years.
What are the types of dental bridges?
There are three types:
- Traditional Fixed Bridge
Fixed bridges cannot be taken out of your mouth. Two crowns hold it in place, one on each side of the false tooth. - Resin Bonded Bridges
(Also called Maryland bridges) These have artificial gums as well as the artificial tooth and are anchored with a metal framework to the teeth on each side. - Cantilever Bridges
This is used where there are teeth on only one side of the gap. The pontic is anchored to two crowns on the same side.
How is a traditional bridge done?
A traditional bridge is done most often, and it takes two appointments.
- First appointment
- After giving a mild anesthetic, Dr. Loye will slightly reduce the size of the teeth on each side of the gap, to make room for crowns over them
- He will then make an impression of these teeth and the gap, a mold, to be used as a model by the dental technician in the lab that makes the bridge.
- He will place a temporary bridge for you to wear until the second appointment.
- Second appointment
- Dr. Loye dentist will remove the temporary bridge and place the permanent one
- He will make sure it’s in good alignment for your bite
- When both you and he are satisfied with how it feels and looks, he will permanently attach it via the two crowns.
How does an implant support a bridge?
The implant replaces the lost tooth root. It is embedded in the jawbone and allowed to heal up for several months before any artificial tooth is attached. The jawbone grows in around it and incorporates it as part of itself. This makes a very strong anchor for the bridge. One or more artificial teeth (actually porcelain crowns) are then attached to the protruding top piece of the implant.
What are the benefits of bridges?
They restore and maintain your ability to chew and speak properly
They prevent your other teeth from misaligning themselves in an attempt to fill the gap left by a missing tooth
They keep the force of your bite properly distributed by replacing the missing tooth
They prevent any jawbone resorption (shrinkage), thus maintaining your facial shape
We offer all types of dental bridges to residents of San Diego, California. We believe in giving our patients comprehensive care, meaning that we consider overall health as well as your teeth and gums. Dental health can affect general health, and we like to consider the whole picture in planning your dental treatments. Please contact us to schedule your initial consultation. Our staff will give you a warm welcome.
Contact Us
The Dentist that Makes You Smile!
3830 Valley Center Drive, Suite 702
San Diego, CA 92130
