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Bridges

Dentistry at the Promenade

General Dentists & Cosmetic Dentists located in Mission Valley, San Diego, CA

About 178 million Americans are missing one or more of their adult teeth. If you’re in this group, don’t worry. Bridges are a great smile restoration choice if you’re missing one, two, or a small group of teeth. At Dentistry at the Promenade in the Mission Valley area of San Diego, California, Estela Caeg-Bustamante, DMD, and the team can design a bridge with custom crowns to restore your tooth’s full function and appearance. Schedule your appointment now by calling the office or booking online.

Bridges Q & A

What are bridges?

Bridges are lifelike tooth replacements. A bridge is a row of three or more connected crowns, or whole-tooth caps. For example, with one missing tooth, your bridge would include two crowns for the healthy teeth on each side of the missing tooth. These are known as abutments. You also have a third crown in the middle, which replaces your lost tooth. The replacement tooth is called the pontic. 

The number of abutment teeth needed is variable depending on how many teeth you’re missing, the dimensions of the abutment tooth roots, how much bone support the abutment teeth have, and the exact location of the missing tooth. 

Often, one missing tooth only requires two abutment teeth, while three missing teeth could require four or more abutment teeth. The Dentistry at the Promenade team tailors bridge design for your particular situation.

What are the advantages of a bridge?

A bridge offers some major advantages, including:

  • Restoring your appearance
  • Preventing facial muscles from collapsing
  • Preventing teeth from shifting (preserves alignment)
  • Improving teeth function

When you lose a tooth, replacement is essential. But not everyone needs or wants dental implants. A bridge is a great alternative in some cases, so talk to the Dentistry at the Promenade team about how it can work for you. 

How does a bridge stay in place?

Your Dentistry at the Promenade provider removes a small amount of tooth enamel from the abutment teeth. Then, they use dental cement or composite resin bonding along with a blue or ultraviolet light to secure your new bridge permanently. 

How do I keep my bridgework in good condition?

Take care of your teeth as usual, brushing and flossing carefully. Be gentle when flossing around your restorations, but never skip oral care. With restorations like bridgework, it’s essential to keep up good oral care habits. 

Never rip bags open with your teeth, avoid chewing on ice or other nonfoods, and talk to your Dentistry at the Promenade provider about a nightguard if you grind your teeth while asleep.

Dentistry at the Promenade designs natural-looking bridges that allow you to enjoy full tooth use again. Call the office or click online booking to set up your appointment now.