Dental Bridges | United Dental Care | Culver City CA
Are you wondering what dental bridges mean in dentistry?
It is what its name implies. Like a bridge, it spans the space where the teeth are missing.
Stop the inconveniences of missing a tooth. Replace it with a dental bridge now by visiting our dentist at United Dental Care in Culver City, California.
A dental bridge is an excellent alternative for a restorative treatment, especially for someone with enough healthy teeth left. It is cheaper than other known dental treatments. It does not require surgery unless your dentist finds it necessary. Lastly, it is faster to put in place than other options.
What are dental bridges?
Dental bridges close the gap between extracted or fallen teeth. It has two main components the support structure and the false teeth, also known as pontics.
Pontic can be made of different materials such as metals (e.g., gold, platinum, palladium, silver), porcelain, resin, or a combination of metal and resin. The most common material used when making one is a combination of metal and resin, giving the patient a stable dental bridge and natural-looking artificial teeth.
What are the different types of bridges
There are different types of dental bridges you can choose from. Though they may look similar in appearance, their uses vary depending on the status of your teeth.
1. Traditional Dental Bridge
A traditional dental bridge is the most common type of dental bridge. It is usually used when you have healthy natural teeth on both sides of the gap. They modify the natural teeth surrounding the space and attach the crown to which the fake teeth are connected.
2. Cantilever Dental Bridge
The cantilever dental bridge is almost similar to the traditional one. The only difference is that it only uses one abutment tooth where the pontic is connected. However, it is less frequently used compared to other dental bridges. It is often placed in the front teeth where there is less strain.
3. Maryland Bonded Bridge
The Maryland bonded bridge is a more affordable alternative to traditional bridges. It uses metal or porcelain where the pontic is attached and adheres to the back of the natural teeth surrounding the gap. This type of bridge eliminates the modification of natural teeth. However, its strength depends on the adhesive and metal framework used.
4. Implant-Supported Bridge
The implant-supported bridge is considered the strongest and the most stable type of dental bridge. It uses implants rather than crowns or frameworks to hold the bridge in position. It can fill significant gaps with multiple missing teeth because it does not require natural teeth to be next to each other.
Got more questions? Ask a dentist in Culver City.
| Type of Dental Bridge | Cost | Material | Longevity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Traditional Dental Bridge | $2000 - $5000 | Porcelain, metal, ceramic, resin |
Ten years and more |
| 2. Cantilever Dental Bridge | $2000 - $5000 | Porcelain, metal, ceramic, resin |
Five to seven years |
| 3. Maryland Bonded Bridge | $1500 - $2500 | Combination of metal and ceramic, resin |
Five to seven years |
| 4. Implant-supported Bridge | $5000 - $15000 | Implants made of titanium Porcelain, metal, ceramic, resin |
Ten years and more |
What’s the difference between a bridge, dentures, and a dental implant?
You might have heard of dental bridges, dentures, and dental implants. And chances are you often think about how each differs from one another.
Dentures are removable dental appliances that prosthodontists (or general dentists) recommend as replacements for lost or removed teeth. It is the best choice for those who lost too many teeth.
A dental implant is a false tooth surgically anchored in your jawbone with a metal screwlike post serving as an alternative to a tooth root. It is recommended when you only lose one or more teeth and do not want a removable type of denture. It is only applicable to those who have healthy jaw bones and gums.
Dental bridges, on the other hand, are like a denture anchored with your natural teeth or in an implant with the primary function of closing the gap between teeth due to tooth loss.
Regardless of your dental restoration needs, at dentists atu United Dental Care in Culver City will guide you throughout the treatment.
What happens during a dental bridge procedure?
Before a specific treatment, a patient should be prepared enough to have one. That said, you must follow specific preparatory procedures. Here are the things you need to do.
• Give your medical and dental records to your dentist so they can diagnose you better and create a better treatment plan.
• Do some research about how much it would cost to have a dental bridge and the available payment plans or if your dental insurance can cover it.
• Suppose you are a person who wants a pain-free and comfortable procedure. In that case, you should prepare yourself for sedation and anesthesia. However, it can interact with a patient’s medication so make sure that any relevant medical information is available to your dentist.
After making all the necessary preparations, it is essential to understand the steps involved in installing a dental bridge.
Our dentist will check if you are suitable for a dental bridge.
Step 2.
If you are suitable, our doctor will shape the natural teeth on both ends of the gap, or they may consider installing a dental implant.
Step 3.
Our dental expert will then take an impression of the shaped teeth and send it to a dental laboratory to fabricate your dental bridge.
Step 4.
You will be scheduled for the final appointment when the bridge is ready. Your dentist will clean your teeth before placing the bridge to the prepared teeth or implant.
It usually takes at least two dental appointments to install your dental bridge. When done correctly, you will resume having a full range of dental functions as if you had never lost one.
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How do you maintain a dental bridge?
On average, dental bridges can last for over ten years. However, this is only possible if you properly take care of them. Here is a list of what you can do to maintain your dental bridges.
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
• Floss daily.
• Clean underneath the dental bridges.
• Have a regular dental check-up.
Though some of the maintenance processes can be done alone, it is also vital to have the guidance of an expert. We at Culver City Dentist United Dental Care are always ready to help and guide you to prolong the life of your dental bridges.
Frequently Asked Questions
The average price of dental bridge treatment in Los Angeles ranges from $500-$1400 per tooth. However, it can still change if your insurance covers it. Contact us to learn about our pricing.
No, it takes at least two appointments to finish installing your dental bridge. Some processes take days or weeks to be done, such as fabricating your pontics or if you will have dental implants.
On average, it can last for over ten years. However, its lifespan still varies on how you take care of your bridges.
A dental bridge can replace one to four teeth. But generally, patients only replace one or two teeth. In rare cases, you can have four teeth in a dental bridge, especially if you have healthy natural teeth.
You will feel some pain when getting a dental bridge. A dentist will use anesthesia or sedation to minimize the pain and make you feel comfortable.
You should avoid eating too hot or too cold food. Also, avoid eating crunchy, chewy, and sticky food. Do not drink beverages that can stain your bridges, such as red wine, coffee, and cola.
Yes. Dental bridges generally use two natural teeth to support and hold them in place. Even though they have crowns, just like any natural teeth, they are still susceptible to cavities.
If you have tooth decay under a bridge, but it is not that severe, you need to treat them and then replace your bridge. However, if decay reaches the nerve, our dentist might recommend extraction and, if necessary, replace it with a dental implant, then change your bridge so it can fit into the implant.
It is essential to clean your dental bridges to extend their lifespan. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day may not be enough. You must also use floss threaders, dental picks, or interproximal brushes to clean the underneath of your bridge.
A root canal may or may not be necessary for a bridge. Generally, it is not required to have a root canal before the bridge work. It is only essential if our dentist sees that your teeth need a root canal before installing the bridge.
There is no definite time you can replace a dental bridge. It depends only on its condition. You can only decide to replace it if it is broken or there are problems with the natural teeth where it is attached.
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Do you still have second thoughts about having a dental bridge?
Don’t worry. We are here to help you. Book a consultation or visit our office at 3909 South Sepulveda Blvd Culver City, CA 90230
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