If you are missing teeth, Rancho Dental in Temecula offers dental bridges as a traditional and highly effective solution. Our cosmetic dentists offer a wide range of dental options to improve your smile and can design a custom treatment plan to meet your needs.
Is a Dental Bridge Right for You?
When you lose a tooth, the surrounding teeth can shift toward the now empty space, and neglecting the problem can lead to a number of issues, including the following:
- Difficulty chewing
- Changes in your bite that may cause discomfort
- Self-consciousness when smiling, talking, and eating
Waiting to see a dentist to address missing teeth also makes restoring your smile more complicated. If you have lost any teeth, a dental bridge is generally your easiest and most cost-effective solution.
Our skilled cosmetic dentists have years of experience performing tooth restorations. If you are looking for cosmetic dental solutions in Temecula, please contact our office to make an appointment.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges are designed to replace lost teeth. These restorations are made from high-quality porcelain and include crowns attached to each side of an artificial replacement tooth (pontic).
This custom-made bridge is placed over the gap in your smile, and the attached crowns are anchored in place on the surrounding teeth.
How Does Getting a Dental Bridge Work?
At your first visit, our dentist will perform a complete dental exam and order x-rays. If the teeth on either side of the gap (abutment teeth) are healthy, they will be reshaped (filed down) in preparation for the crowns.
We will obtain a precise impression of your bite to send to our lab, where your bridge will be fabricated. Your restoration will also be professionally color-matched to your natural teeth.
Our practice can provide a temporary bridge to protect the abutment teeth and maintain your aesthetic appearance. A second appointment is scheduled for the placement of the final bridge before you leave.
Your bridge should be ready within two weeks, and upon your return visit, our dentist will remove the temporary restoration and securely place your new custom bridge. You will be asked to bite down on a special dental “articulating paper” to observe your bite and ensure your comfort.
What to Expect After Receiving a Dental Bridge
What Is My Recovery Like After Receiving a Dental Bridge?
After you have replaced your missing tooth or teeth with a dental bridge, you may feel some tenderness after the anesthetic wears off. This shouldn’t last more than a few days, and you can usually return to your normal activities the following day, but follow these basic instructions for the first 24 hours after your dental bridge is placed.
- Avoid eating hot, crunchy, and sticky food or drinking hot beverages
- Chew on the opposite side of your mouth
- Take care not to bite your tongue, lips, or cheeks while the anesthetic is still working
What Results Should I See After Receiving a Dental Bridge?
After your dental bridge has been placed, you will have a newly restored smile. After 24 hours, your bridge can return full functionality to your bite.
How Do I Care for My New Bridge?
You can protect your smile and help your dental bridge last well over a decade with these tips:
- Continue to avoid hard or sticky foods
- Avoid all tobacco products
- Use specially designed floss threaders to clean under your new bridge
Most importantly, maintain a proper oral hygiene routine. Dental bridges depend on healthy gums to remain firmly in place. Also, report any problems you are experiencing or damage to your dental bridge to your dentist without delay.
When issues with a dental restoration are addressed promptly, they can usually be resolved easily. When prolonged, the solution may involve repeating the entire process.
What Is the Cost of a Dental Bridge?
The cost of a dental bridge varies significantly based on the number of teeth being replaced, the technique used, and the quality of your oral health.
Other Cosmetic Dental Services We Offer in Temecula
Rancho Dental offers a wide range of cosmetic and restorative dental services.
If you are interested in improving the look of your smile, one of the following options may be the solution you are looking for:
- Dental crowns
- Porcelain veneers
- Dental bonding
- Porcelain onlays or inlays
- Teeth whitening
- Implant-supported bridges
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bonding
Does having a dental bridge placed hurt?
Other than the initial injection of anesthetic, which usually causes little-to-no pain, you may experience some mild discomfort that can last two or three days.
Contact our cosmetic dentist if your new dental bridge causes any irritation to your mouth or gums.
Is a dental bridge covered by insurance?
In most cases, a dental bridge is considered a corrective procedure and is covered, at least partially, by dental insurance. At Rancho Dental, our dedicated staff can help you get details about your specific coverage.
How long does getting a dental bridge take?
Generally, it takes two visits about two weeks apart to complete the procedure and place your bridge.
This is a much shorter process than dental implants. If you are receiving dental implants, a longer process is required and depends on the health of the underlying bone in your jaw.
Please see our dental implants page to learn more about this procedure.
Will my smile look natural after receiving a dental bridge?
At Rancho Dental, our team works hard to ensure proper color-matching and precise impressions for the most natural-looking and feeling restorations. Our porcelain dental bridges are designed to blend in naturally with the rest of your smile.
Rancho Dental in Temecula for Your Cosmetic Dentistry Needs
If you need more information about dental bridges or cosmetic dentistry in Temecula, California, give Rancho Dental a call. Our team is happy to answer your questions and schedule a visit for you to discuss all your cosmetic dental concerns.
Call 951-699-4746 today or use our contact form.