If you have healthy teeth, but need a few teeth replaced, we can fit you with a dental bridge. Also called crown and bridgework, a dental bridge replaces one or more teeth in a row, and it is a fixed prosthetic, meaning that you cannot remove it. The replacement teeth are attached to one another to form the bridge. On the ends of the bridge are crowns that fit upon healthy teeth adjacent to where the bridge will reside. We may recommend securing your bridge with dental implants.
Sometimes the best answer to missing teeth is a partial denture. This custom-fabricated appliance fills multiple, non-adjacent spaces with replacement teeth. The partial fits in the empty spaces like a puzzle piece. Held in place with inconspicuous clasps, a partial can be removed, like a full denture, for cleaning.
Full dentures can replace all teeth on the top and/or bottom arch. Traditionally, dentures are held in place with natural suction or denture adhesive on the ridges of the gums. Without tooth roots to stimulate jawbone tissue, the bone deteriorates, so the topography of the gums changes. For this reason, dentures may need to be relined to accommodate the changing gums.
Patients who have lost all their teeth will need a full set of dentures for the top, bottom, or both arches. We can anchor dentures with dental implants for greatly increased comfort and fit.
A missing tooth can create more than an empty space. It can make chewing awkward, allow food to trap easily, and gradually change how nearby teeth sit. A dental bridge replaces the missing tooth so the bite feels more balanced and daily routines like eating and speaking feel easier.
A bridge is supported by the teeth next to the gap. Those neighboring teeth are shaped so the bridge can attach securely, creating one connected piece that stays in place during normal use. Your dentist checks fit and bite carefully so it feels stable and comfortable.
Most bridges are completed over more than one visit. The dentist evaluates the area, prepares the supporting teeth, and takes detailed measurements so the final bridge fits properly. At a later visit, the bridge is placed and adjusted so it feels natural when you bite down.
A well-made bridge should feel smooth and look like it belongs with the rest of your teeth. The shape and shade are chosen to match your smile, and adjustments are made so the bridge does not feel “high” or interfere with chewing. If something feels off, small refinements can usually correct it.
Cleaning is important because the supporting teeth and gums need to stay healthy. Along with brushing, your dentist may recommend tools that help clean around and under the bridge where a regular toothbrush cannot reach. Regular checkups help confirm everything is staying healthy over time.
If you have a missing tooth and notice shifting, chewing discomfort, or frequent food trapping, it is a good time to discuss replacement options. A consultation for dental bridges in Petaluma can help you understand whether a bridge makes sense for your mouth and what alternatives may be available.
©2023 Petaluma Dental Group | Privacy Policy | Web Design, Digital Marketing & SEO By Adit