What Are Dental Bridges?
When one or a few of your teeth are missing, it is more than just a cosmetic problem — gaps in your teeth can cause other teeth to shift out of place. This may lead to extra tension when biting, increased pain when you chew, or even difficulty speaking. A bridge restores the appearance and health of your smile by covering spaces using a false tooth supported by either your natural teeth, dental implants, or both. At San Ramon Family Dental in San Ramon, CA, Dr. Rupam Khanna offers custom-made bridges with high-quality materials that will help to give you back your beautiful smile. If you have gaps in your smile, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Khanna to learn more about your restoration options with a dental bridge.
How Are Dental Bridges Performed?
Once your supporting teeth are filed down to prepare them, Dr. Khanna will take digital x-rays and dental impressions to create your bridge. If needed, a temporary bridge or restoration can be placed while your custom one is made. Once your bridge is ready, the needed areas of your mouth may be prepped with a numbing agent. Other anesthesia or sedation methods may be used for anxiety or trouble with a gag reflex to help keep you comfortable during the procedure. Your dental bridge can be glued in place or attached to dental implants based on the method you and Dr. Khanna decided on at your consultation. Dr. Khanna will carefully adjust the fit of the bridge so it is comfortable and stable in your mouth.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges provide numerous benefits for patients wanting to repair missing teeth and renew their appearance and oral health. Dental bridges from San Ramon Family Dental in San Ramon, CA can:
- Enhance the appearance of your smile by fixing gaps
- Uphold the facial muscles, sustaining a youthful look
- Allocate bite forces evenly to protect your natural teeth
- Recover proper speaking and chewing proficiency
- Hinder existing teeth from moving out of position
- Require minimal maintenance
- Allow for a resilient and long-lasting tooth replacement option
- Help maintain the natural lines of your face
- Increase self-confidence and improve general well-being
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Who is a Candidate for Dental Bridges?
Missing teeth aren't just a cosmetic concern – they can significantly affect the overall health of your mouth. Each tooth plays a role in maintaining balance and function, and when one is missing, it can disrupt that harmony. Over time, this can lead to shifting teeth, bite alignment issues (such as underbite, crossbite, or overbite), and even jawbone and gum tissue deterioration. Dental bridges are a popular solution, but the surrounding teeth must be strong enough to support the restoration. This includes having adequate gum tissue and jawbone density. During your consultation, Dr. Khanna will carefully evaluate your teeth, gums, and jaw to determine the most suitable bridge option for you. Choices may include traditional, cantilever, Maryland bonded, or resin-bonded bridges, crafted from materials like ceramic, porcelain, metal, or porcelain fused to metal.
Dental Bridges FAQ
How do I take care of my dental bridge?
You can care for your bridge with excellent at-home dental care and regular San Ramon Family Dentistry visits. It's important to keep your remaining teeth healthy and strong, as the bridge's success depends on the solid foundation offered by the surrounding teeth. Brushing twice daily and flossing daily helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss.
Will the dental bridge look natural with my surrounding teeth?
Yes, dental bridges are designed to blend in with your natural teeth. They are made from various materials, such as porcelain or ceramic, and are matched to the color of your natural teeth.
Is the procedure for getting a dental bridge painful?
Dr. Khanna will use local anesthesia to numb the area, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. You may, however, experience some discomfort or sensitivity after the procedure, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Dental Bridge Restorations
Even if you don't mind how you look with a gap from a missing tooth, it can turn into more expensive trouble if you don't seek treatment. Request a consultation with Dr. Khanna to learn more about bridge restorations and what options will fit your unique needs. San Ramon Family Dental is proud to offer high-quality dental bridges that can help improve the health and appearance of your smile. Contact our team in San Ramon, CA to schedule your appointment.