Dental Bridges in Long Beach, CA

A bridge is used to cover the gap of a missing tooth and is usually connected by two or more crowns. If a single tooth is missing, the teeth on either side of the missing tooth will have caps (crowns), and the missing tooth will be replaced with a false tooth that is often made of various materials and referred to as a pontic. Together the pontic and crowns create a bridge to provide support for the missing tooth or teeth. There are 3 types of bridges: traditional, cantilever, and removable bridges offered at our office. The traditional bridge is one that is surrounded completely by crowns on either side. The cantilever is a bridge that is held in place by only one crown on its side, typically used for front teeth that require less support. Removable bridges are temporary fixes that are more cost-effective but require more hygiene and maintenance. During your exam at Emigh Dental Care, our dentists will be able to examine your condition and review the differences between the various bridges to determine which one is best for you. Call our Long Beach, CA practice today to schedule an exam for a dental bridge today.

Preparing and placing a dental bridge usually takes at least 2 appointments at our office. During the first visit, our dentists will prepare the abutment teeth by filing them down to make room for the dental crowns. After the teeth are prepared, our dentists will take impressions of the teeth, which will be sent to a dental laboratory where experts will create a bridge, including the pontic and surrounding crowns, for the abutment teeth. While the permanent bridge is being created, our dentists will place a temporary bridge over the patient's teeth for protection. Once the custom-made bridge is returned to our office, we will remove the temporary bridge and cement the permanent bridge into place. Our dentists will check and adjust the bridge to give patients the best fit, but they may need to return in a few weeks to have their fit and bite re-checked.

Dental bridges can last 5 – 15 years, or longer with proper home came and regular exams and cleanings by our office. Patients can keep their bridges and natural teeth healthy by brushing twice a day, flossing, and using an antiseptic mouthwash daily. Patients should make annual dental exams and bi-annual dental cleanings with our office to ensure the bridge is clean and in good condition.

If you avoid smiling to hide a gap in your teeth, call our office to schedule an exam and learn about dental bridges and if they are right for you. Our dentists can tell you if a dental bridge can improve the appearance of your smile and give you a healthier mouth.