Dental Bridge Santa Maria, CA
A dental bridge is an effective and popular restoration for filling spaces between natural teeth, restoring smiles in patients who have one or several missing teeth. As an oral surgery practice, we are skilled at providing safe tooth replacement procedures to restore our patients’ smiles.
Dental bridge restorations are available at Wilson Oral Surgery in Santa Maria and the surrounding area. As an oral surgery practice, we take pride in helping patients restore the form and function of their smiles. Call us at (805) 910-1213 for an appointment or to learn more about our services.
What is a Dental Bridge
A dental bridge is a restoration that bridges the gap left by one or more missing teeth. The traditional bridge consists of a false tooth called a pontic. The pontic is flanked on each side by a crown. On each side of the missing tooth or teeth are two natural teeth that serve as abutments. The crowns on either side of the pontic attach to these abutment teeth. The pontic fills in the gap left by the missing tooth.
There are several variations on the dental bridge depending on the location and number of teeth to replace. Some bridges attach to the area with only one abutment. In other cases, such as the Maryland bridge treatment, the pontic attaches to the adjacent teeth through a metal framework. As a result, a Maryland bridge requires less alteration to the abutment teeth. There are even implant-supported bridges that use titanium implants for abutments. However, these forms of dental bridges are non-removable. Our oral surgeon will discuss which bridge best serves the patient’s needs during a consultation.
“There are several variations on the dental bridge depending on the location and number of teeth to replace.”
Benefits of a Dental Bridge
There are a number of other ways to replace missing teeth or fill in large spaces between teeth. However, a dental bridge offers multiple advantages, making it an attractive option for many. A dental bridge stays in the mouth and does not need removal for cleaning. After placing a bridge, the patient does not have to change their eating habits like they might for removable teeth replacement options.
Also, dental bridges can provide an excellent level of durability and longevity with the proper care. Our oral surgeon can help determine if this is the right treatment for a patient during a consultation.
“A dental bridge stays in the mouth and does not need removal for cleaning.”
Reasons to Get a Dental Bridge
People lose teeth or have spaces in their mouths for many reasons. Among the most common reasons includes tooth loss due to periodontal disease or excessive decay. Sometimes teeth are lost to habits like tooth grinding or traumas such as sporting or car accidents. In rarer cases, people may be missing a tooth due to a genetic defect.
Whatever the reason, replacing a tooth is much more than just a cosmetic matter. Having a full smile is important for chewing function and speaking. In addition, a dental bridge can help someone maintain the structure of their smile and prevent teeth from shifting out of place. Replacing a missing tooth may also help patients avoid the bone loss that can often come from missing a tooth for a significant amount of time.
“Whatever the reason, replacing a tooth is much more than just a cosmetic matter.”
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The Treatment Process
At the consultation, our team examines the patient’s mouth and discusses their options. The patient needs to provide all relevant medical information at this appointment. We suggest that patients make a list of questions ahead of time in order to make the best use of the consultation.
After the consultation, the process for getting a dental bridge can vary by patient. The traditional bridge is largely a two-appointment. During the first appointment, our oral surgeon will reshape the teeth on either side of the space before cementing the crowns to them. We will then make an impression of the treatment area and send it to the lab, where the bridge is custom-made. Patients receive a temporary bridge from wearing until it is time for the second appointment to place the permanent bridge.
Often, the process involved in receiving an implant-supported bridge is longer. The process starts by ensuring the patient has enough jawbone to support the metal implant or implants. Then, after the dentist places the implant, the small metal implant post must be given time to integrate into the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. However, despite this longer and more involved process, implant-supported bridges are an attractive option for patients who are not good candidates for traditional bridges. For example, if a patient does not have healthy teeth to support a traditional bridge, an implant-supported bridge may better serve them.
“We will then make an impression of the treatment area and send it to the lab, where the bridge is custom-made.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What advantages will a dental bridge have over other teeth replacement options?
Q. What is involved in getting a bridge?
Q. What should I do to take care of my bridge so it will last?
People Also Ask
Q. How do dentists determine whether a patient qualifies for dental implants?
Q. What are the benefits of dental crowns and dental implants?
Q. Why would I need a tooth extraction?
Q. How can I prepare for my first implant procedure?
Q. How does the bone grafting procedure work?
Q. What are a patient’s options for replacing multiple teeth?
At-Home Care
A dental bridge can last up to seven to ten years with the right oral hygiene. This includes keeping up with regular dental appointments and a good home dental care routine. Patients are urged to avoid hard or sticky foods that could damage the bridgework, especially right after placement.
Cleaning under the bridge between the pontic and the gum can be challenging. However, patients can purchase interdental brushes and floss threaders to help with this. A water flosser is useful as well. Our oral surgeon can go over proper care techniques and any necessary future checkup appointments during the consultation.
“Patients are urged to avoid hard or sticky foods that could damage the bridgework, especially right after placement.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much do dental bridges cost?
A. The answer to this varies by patient. However, they are often considered medically necessary and covered by insurance. It is important to check with your dental insurance provider about your coverage.
Q. Is the process of getting a dental bridge painful?
A. Most patients report little to no discomfort with this procedure. In addition, as an oral surgery practice, we are highly skilled at keeping patients comfortable during the procedure. The oral surgeon numbs the area with local anesthesia and waits until the patient is thoroughly numb before beginning. For patients who require more invasive procedures, our oral surgeon can discuss additional measures such as sedation. In most cases, any discomfort post-procedure can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Q. How long does a dental bridge last?
A. The typical bridge lasts about five to seven years. They are durable, but proper oral care is important to make them last. With proper dental care, bridges can last up to 10 years.
Q. What are the different types of dental bridges?
A. There are different types of fixed bridges, some that use crowns and others that do not. Certain types of bridges require less alteration to the surrounding teeth. There are also implant-supported bridges. Our oral surgeon can discuss the options with you after examining your case.
Q. How many teeth can a dental bridge replace?
A. Most dental bridges replace one or two teeth. However, dental bridges can replace up to three teeth. If you are missing more than three teeth, you may want to consider other options, such as a partial denture.
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By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
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Call Us Today
If you are missing one or more teeth and seek a permanent way to restore your smile, Wilson Oral Surgery can help. Our oral surgeon and team offer dental bridges in Santa Maria and the surrounding area. Contact our team today at 805-910-1213 for an appointment or to learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2023
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2023
- American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics. American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics. 2023
- American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. 2023
- American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 2023
- National Cancer Institute (NCI). National Cancer Institute (NCI). 2023
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2023
About our business, license, and website security
- Wilson Oral Surgery was established in 1990.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Santa Barbara County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Santa Maria, Nipomo, Orcutt, Betteravia, Garey, Los Alamos, and Guadalupe
- CA (License #53295). View License Information and Specifics
- National Provider Identifier Database (1578736013). View NPI Registry Information
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