Dental Bridges in Roseville, CA
Tooth loss can affect how a person chews and speaks and may allow nearby teeth to shift. Dental bridges in Roseville, CA offer a fixed way to replace one or more missing teeth, using natural teeth or implants for support depending on the bridge design.
At Eureka Ridge Dentistry, treatment begins with an evaluation of the gap, supporting teeth, gums, and bite. Patients searching for dental bridges near them can schedule an appointment to determine whether a bridge is appropriate for their needs.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge replaces one or several adjacent missing teeth with a restoration that remains fixed in place. Unlike a removable partial denture, it stays in the mouth during daily use and cleaning.
Abutment Teeth
Abutment teeth are natural teeth that support a traditional bridge. They are prepared for crowns that hold the restoration in place. Some bridges may instead receive support from dental implants.
Pontic
A pontic replaces the visible portion of a missing tooth within the bridge and may be used individually or alongside additional pontics.
Dental Crowns
A traditional fixed dental bridge generally uses crowns placed over the supporting teeth. These crowns connect to the pontic to form a single restoration.
Benefits of Replacing Missing Teeth with a Bridge
Relying on the location of the missing teeth and bridge design, treatment may:
- Fill the space left by missing teeth
- Improve chewing in the restored area
- Help with speech changes related to tooth loss
- Help maintain the space previously occupied by the missing tooth
- Restore contact within the bite
- Provide a fixed alternative to a removable partial denture
- Coordinate with surrounding teeth in shape and shade
A bridge cannot prevent every future change in tooth position or bite. Results depend on the supporting teeth, gums, bite, and oral care.
Types of Dental Bridges
Bridge design depends on the location of the gap and available support.
Traditional Dental Bridge
A traditional bridge uses natural teeth on both sides of the gap for support. These teeth are prepared for crowns connected to the replacement tooth or teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridge
A bridge used to replace several adjacent missing teeth may receive support from dental implants instead of the surrounding teeth. This option involves implant surgery and healing before the final restoration can be completed.
Cantilever Bridge
A cantilever bridge receives support from one side of the missing-tooth space. This design is limited to selected situations based on available support and bite forces.
Maryland or Resin-Bonded Bridge
A Maryland, or resin-bonded, bridge uses a framework bonded to neighboring teeth rather than full-coverage crowns. It may be considered in selected cases, including some missing front teeth.
Who May Be a Candidate for a Dental Bridge?
A bridge may be considered when one tooth or several neighboring teeth are missing. Before recommending treatment, the dentist evaluates:
- The number and location of missing teeth
- The condition of adjacent teeth
- Gum and supporting bone health
- Existing dental restorations
- Bite and chewing forces
- Oral hygiene
- Available support for the bridge
For a traditional bridge, the neighboring teeth must be suitable for crowns. Other replacement options may be discussed when preparing these teeth is not appropriate or preferred.
The Dental Bridge Procedure
Treatment varies with the bridge design and condition of the supporting teeth.
Examination and Treatment Planning
The dentist examines the gap, neighboring teeth, gums, and bite. Dental X-rays may be taken when additional information is needed.
Preparing the Supporting Teeth
For a traditional bridge, teeth beside the gap are reshaped to create room for the supporting crowns.
Digital Scan or Dental Impression
A digital scan or dental impression may be used to record the prepared teeth and bite for bridge fabrication.
Temporary Bridge
A temporary bridge may protect prepared teeth while the final restoration is being made.
Final Bridge Placement
The dentist checks the bridge’s fit, contact with neighboring teeth, shade, and bite before securing it in place.
Dental Bridge vs. Implant vs. Partial Denture
Bridges, implants, and partial dentures offer different approaches to replacing missing teeth, with differences in support, treatment, and daily care.
| Feature | Dental Bridge | Dental Implant | Partial Denture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Fixed restoration | Fixed tooth-replacement option | Removable appliance |
| Support | Usually supported by neighboring natural teeth | Supported by an implant placed in the jawbone | Supported by remaining teeth and oral tissues, depending on the design |
| Neighboring teeth | Supporting teeth generally need to be prepared for crowns | Adjacent healthy teeth do not need to be prepared solely for support | Usually does not require full crowns on adjacent teeth solely for support |
| Surgery | Not required for a traditional bridge | Requires implant placement surgery | Generally does not require implant surgery |
| Cleaning | Requires cleaning beneath the replacement tooth | Cleaned around the implant restoration and gumline | Removed for cleaning |
| Treatment process | Preparation, scan or impression, fabrication, and placement | Implant placement, healing, and restoration | Examination, impressions or scans, fabrication, and fitting |
| May be considered when | Suitable teeth are available to support a fixed restoration | Bone and gum conditions support implant treatment | A removable option is appropriate for replacing one or more missing teeth |
The appropriate option depends on the location and number of missing teeth, condition of neighboring teeth, available support, oral health, and individual treatment needs.
How to Care for a Dental Bridge
The bridge material does not develop tooth decay, but supporting natural teeth remain susceptible to cavities and gum problems. Plaque can also collect beneath the replacement tooth.
Patients should:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Clean beneath the pontic each day
- Use floss threaders or recommended interdental tools
- Clean around supporting crowns
- Attend dental exams and cleanings as recommended
- Avoid biting objects, like ice or a pen, that could damage the restoration
- Discuss teeth grinding when present
- Report looseness, chips, discomfort, or bite changes
Proper cleaning around and beneath the bridge helps protect the supporting teeth and gums.
Schedule a Dental Bridge Consultation in Roseville
An examination can determine whether a bridge is appropriate for a missing-tooth space and what support is available.
Patients seeking a dental bridge on Eureka Road can visit the office at 1490 Eureka Rd, Suite 130, Roseville, CA 95661. An online appointment request option is available.
