A missing tooth can make you feel self-conscious and uncertain of your smile. Our team will help you feel at ease with your appearance by finding the optimal option for restoring your teeth. A dental bridge is an ideal option for Monrovia patients who want to:
- Replace a missing tooth without the recovery time involved with a dental implant.
- Reinforce the teeth on either side of the replacement tooth with crowns.
- Avoid the drilling involved with dental implants.
While a dental bridge is not the only option for patients who are missing a tooth, a dental bridge not only replaces your missing tooth but strengthens the teeth on either side by covering them with crowns.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge treats patients with one missing tooth surrounded by worn-down teeth on either side. Unlike a dental implant, which acts like the root of your tooth, a dental bridge is:
- Not connected to the bone
- Requires no drilling or bone grafting
- Less invasive
- Performed in two procedures
- Requires little downtime in comparison to dental implants
A bridge has distinct advantages for some patients. However, you will need to come into our office in the Monrovia area for a consultation before determining if the procedure is right for you.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Dental Bridge?
We’ve mentioned the benefits of a dental bridge, but these only apply if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Monrovia patients should consider a dental bridge if they have:
- One or two missing teeth
- Need the natural teeth on either side of the bridge reinforced with dental crowns
- Do not have bone loss or other problems related to the underlying structure
Each patient will need an oral examination, including digital X-rays, to find the ideal treatment. Dr. Q recommends coming in soon after you lose or remove your tooth to avoid bone loss or other problems that could jeopardize your teeth.
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Why is a Dental Bridge Only One or Two Teeth?
A dental bridge is limited to one or two teeth because that is the maximum that can be comfortably supported. Remember that your dental bridge is attached to the teeth on either side. That means those teeth support the crowns, and too many teeth can cause the bridge to fail.
How Is a Bridge Placed?
A dental bridge works by placing crowns on the teeth on either side of your missing tooth to support the replacement tooth. These teeth provide the replacement tooth with stability, allowing you to chew, bite, and restore your smile.
During your treatment, Dr. Q will place your bridge by:
- Administering anesthesia to help you manage discomfort. Local anesthesia is used in all procedures, and Monrovia patients have sedation dentistry as an option if they are nervous about the procedure.
- Taking impressions of your teeth to create crowns that fit comfortably.
- Matching the shade of your crown to your natural teeth so that they are indistinguishable.
- Creating temporary crowns and dental bridges for you to wear until the permanent ones are ready.
- Placing temporary crowns and dental bridges to restore your natural bite.
A follow-up appointment will be scheduled a week or two later to switch your temporary dental bridge out for a permanent one.
Real Patient Results
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
It’s normal to experience some soreness and swelling after your dental bridge is placed. This will only last for a few days and can be managed with ibuprofen to reduce symptoms such as swelling and discomfort. Once the anesthesia wears off, you’ll be able to eat normally but may want to stick to soft foods until your soreness wears off.
The only difference between your dental bridge and natural teeth is that the same space will not be available for flossing. A dental bridge is essentially three attached crowns with no space in between.
More About Our Practice
With over ten years of private practice, Dr. Q has assembled a team of specialists including working closely with an endodontist and oral surgeon to perform root canals or place dental implants. Our office in the Monrovia area features the comforts of sedation dentistry and a wide variety of treatment options for both general and cosmetic dentistry.
Take a look at before and after photos of patients from our office in Monrovia to get an idea of how we can help you.
