A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) dental restoration designed to “bridge” the gap created by one or more missing teeth. It consists of artificial teeth, known as pontics, which are securely held in place by dental crowns placed on the natural teeth on either side of the gap. These anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth. Once cemented into place, a dental bridge provides a stable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing replacement for your missing teeth, blending seamlessly with your existing smile. It’s a reliable choice for smile restoration right here in Woodland Hills and the surrounding San Fernando Valley.
Receiving a custom dental bridge typically involves two visits to my Woodland Hills dental office. Here’s what you can expect for a traditional bridge:
First Visit: Tooth Preparation & Impression:
- Examination & Numbing: I’ll begin by examining your teeth and taking X-rays to plan your bridge. Then, I’ll administer a local anesthetic to ensure the abutment teeth (the ones supporting the bridge) are completely numb.
- Tooth Preparation: For traditional bridges, the abutment teeth are carefully reshaped to allow the crowns to fit over them perfectly.
- Impressions: Once prepared, I’ll take precise digital or traditional impressions (molds) of your prepared teeth and the surrounding area. These impressions are sent to a highly skilled dental laboratory, where your custom bridge will be meticulously fabricated to match your existing teeth.
- Temporary Bridge: Before you leave, I’ll place a temporary bridge to protect your prepared teeth and the gap, allowing you to eat and speak normally while your permanent bridge is being crafted.
Second Visit: Placement of Permanent Bridge:
- Removal of Temporary & Cleaning: When your permanent bridge arrives from the lab (usually within 1-2 weeks), you’ll return to our office. I’ll gently remove the temporary bridge and thoroughly clean the prepared teeth.
- Fit & Aesthetic Check: I will carefully try on the new permanent bridge, meticulously checking its fit, bite, and how well its color and shape blend with your other teeth. Your comfort and satisfaction are paramount during this stage.
- Permanent Bonding: Once both you and I are completely satisfied with the fit and appearance, I will permanently cement the bridge into place.
- Final Adjustments: I’ll make any final minor adjustments to ensure your bite is comfortable and natural. You’ll leave our Woodland Hills office with a complete, confident smile!
Replacing missing teeth is crucial for both your oral health and your overall well-being. Leaving gaps in your smile can lead to a cascade of problems over time. During your comprehensive examination at my Woodland Hills dental office, I’ll discuss if a dental bridge is the best solution for your unique situation.
You might need a dental bridge if you have:
- One or More Missing Teeth: A bridge can effectively fill the space left by missing teeth.
- Preventing Tooth Shifting: Gaps can cause surrounding teeth to drift out of position, leading to bite problems and affecting your jaw joints. A bridge keeps everything aligned.
- Restoring Chewing and Speaking Ability: Missing teeth can make it difficult to eat certain foods or to speak clearly. A bridge restores these vital functions.
- Maintaining Facial Shape: Missing teeth, particularly in the front, can lead to a sunken appearance over time. A bridge helps maintain the natural contours of your face.
- Distributing Bite Forces: A bridge helps properly distribute the forces in your bite, preventing excessive stress on your remaining natural teeth.
- Improving Smile Aesthetics: A bridge can dramatically improve the appearance of your smile by filling unsightly gaps and providing a natural-looking replacement.
I offer various types of dental bridges, and the best choice for you will depend on the location of your missing teeth, the condition of your adjacent teeth, and your individual needs and preferences. We’ll thoroughly discuss all options during your consultation.
Traditional Dental Bridges: This is the most common type of bridge. It involves creating a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the missing tooth, with the artificial tooth (pontic) in between. They are incredibly strong and reliable.
- Ideal for: Situations where there are natural teeth on both sides of the gap strong enough to support crowns.
Cantilever Bridges: Similar to traditional bridges, but the pontic is supported by a dental crown on only one side. This is typically used when there’s only one adjacent tooth available to support the bridge.
- Ideal for: Areas with less chewing force or when there’s only one strong abutment tooth.
Maryland Bonded Bridges (Resin-Bonded Bridges): These bridges are more conservative as they do not require full crowns on the adjacent teeth. Instead, metal or porcelain “wings” on the sides of the pontic are bonded to the back surfaces of the adjacent natural teeth.
- Ideal for: Front teeth where bite forces are lighter and preserving more natural tooth structure is a priority.
Implant-Supported Bridges: When there are multiple missing teeth, and you don’t have enough strong natural teeth to support a traditional bridge, two or more dental implants can be surgically placed. The bridge is then secured directly to these implants.
- Ideal for: Larger gaps where maximum stability and bone preservation are desired, without affecting adjacent natural teeth.
All our bridges are custom-crafted from high-quality materials like porcelain, zirconia, or porcelain-fused-to-metal, ensuring durability and a natural aesthetic that blends perfectly with your Woodland Hills smile.
DR. EDMOND
AHDOOT
Replacing missing teeth is a significant decision, and you want a dentist who combines precision, artistry, and genuine care. Here’s why patients in Woodland Hills, CA trust Smiles By Eddie for their dental bridges:
- Expertise & Meticulous Craftsmanship: I have extensive experience in designing and placing dental bridges. My precise approach ensures a perfect fit, a strong bond, and a beautiful, natural-looking restoration that restores your bite effectively.
- High-Quality, Natural-Looking Materials: I partner with top-tier dental laboratories that use only the finest, most advanced materials (porcelain, zirconia, PFM) to fabricate your custom bridge, ensuring it is durable, long-lasting, and blends seamlessly with your natural smile.
- Personalized Smile Design: Your bridge is custom-made to fit your unique oral anatomy and complement your facial features and existing teeth. I take the time to ensure the final result meets your aesthetic and functional expectations.
- Comfort-Focused Experience: Your comfort is paramount throughout the entire bridge process. From gentle preparation techniques to a relaxing office environment, my team and I strive to make your visits as stress-free as possible.
- Comprehensive Care & Longevity: Beyond just placing the bridge, I’ll provide detailed guidance on how to care for your new restoration and discuss ongoing oral hygiene to ensure its longevity and maintain your overall oral health.
- Conveniently Located: Our modern practice is easily accessible for all residents of Woodland Hills and our surrounding communities, making it convenient to receive top-tier dental care. We’re your trusted source for missing tooth solutions in Woodland Hills.
FAQ
With proper care and good oral hygiene, a high-quality dental bridge can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, or even longer. Factors like consistent brushing and flossing, avoiding hard foods, and regular dental check-ups can significantly extend its lifespan.
I will use a local anesthetic to completely numb the teeth and surrounding area, so you should not feel any pain during the bridge preparation or placement. You might feel some pressure, but no discomfort. For anxious patients, we also offer sedation options.
Caring for a bridge is similar to caring for your natural teeth. You’ll need to brush twice a day and floss daily. Special floss threaders or interdental brushes can help you clean underneath the pontic (the artificial tooth) to prevent plaque buildup. Regular dental check-ups are also crucial.
Absolutely! My goal is for your new bridge to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. We carefully select the shade and shape to match your existing smile, making the bridge virtually undetectable.
After the permanent bridge is cemented, you can typically eat most foods. However, it’s wise to avoid extremely hard or sticky foods, especially initially, to ensure the cement sets fully and to protect the bridge from undue stress.
Yes, the most common alternative is a dental implant, which replaces the tooth root and provides exceptional stability without affecting adjacent teeth. Removable partial dentures are another option, though they are not fixed in place. We’ll discuss all suitable options during your consultation.
While the artificial tooth (pontic) itself cannot get a cavity, the natural abutment teeth that support the bridge can still be susceptible to decay, especially at the margin where the crown meets the tooth. This is why meticulous oral hygiene and regular check-ups are vital.
Initially, you might notice a slight difference in your speech, especially if the missing teeth affected your pronunciation. However, your mouth will quickly adjust, and most patients find their speech returns to normal, often improved, once the bridge is in place.
Most dental insurance plans provide some level of coverage for dental bridges, as they are considered a restorative (necessary for health and function) procedure. My team will help you understand your specific benefits and provide an estimate of costs.
The longevity of a bridge relies on the health of the supporting abutment teeth. If these teeth develop decay or problems, the bridge may need to be removed and replaced, or alternative solutions might be necessary. This underscores the importance of excellent oral hygiene for your natural teeth.
