Dental Bridges for the Garden Grove and Anaheim Area

What are dental bridges?

Many times, your dentist will suggest a dental crown or filling for a tooth that is decayed or damaged. However, when teeth are too badly too badly damaged for a crown or filling, a dental bridge may be necessary. Dental bridges are also one of the most popular and inexpensive options available when it comes to replacing a tooth that's already missing. Not only will a dental bridge replace missing teeth with a strong, sturdy anchor -- they will also help protect remaining teeth, while simultaneously ensuring proper alignment

Is a dental bridge right for you?

Nobody wants a gap in their smile. Not only can it make you feel self-conscious, but it can also have an impact on the alignment of your remaining teeth. It's important to remember that every tooth in your mouth plays a vital role when it comes to keeping your remaining teeth in line. For this reason, it's never good to live with a missing tooth, even if it's hardly noticable

How We Do Dental Bridges at Primary Dental Care of Garden Grove

For every procedure, it's important for our patients to understand that our primary goal is to install your dental bridge with comfort, care, and precision. Placing your dental bridge typically occurs in two-steps.

Step 1: Preparing Your Teeth for a Dental Bridge

After your initial consultation and examination (including x-rays), Dr. Ibrahim will begin by preparing the teeth that will act as supports for the dental bridge, these are known as the abuttment teeth. During this process, she will remove enamel from each side (including the top) of these teeth, this is done to make way for dental crowns that will be placed over each tooth. The dental bridge is eventually attached to these crowns. Finally, a mold is made of the particular area that will be treated, and is then sent to a laboratory so that your custom dental bridge can be manufactured. For now, Dr. Ibrahim will fit you with a temporary bridge that you will wear until the custom made bridge is complete.

Step 2: Installing the Final Dental Bridge

Your second visit with Dr. Ibrahim involves carefully fitting your permanent bridge to ensure a comfortable and natural looking fit and function. In the beginning, Dr. Ibrahim will fit your dental bridge with a temporary adhesive. This is done to ensure that the placement of your dental bridge is just right. If anything feels off, all you need to do is make a return visit and adjust the fit before sealing the bridge in place with a permanent adhesive. Before leaving Primary Dental Care with your new smile, Dr. Ibrahim and the friendly staff at Primary Dental Care will provide full instructions on how to clean and care for your new dental bridge, ensuring that it lasts for years and years to come.

Caring for Your Dental Bridge

Immediately after your dental bridge is installed, our dentists recommend eating soft foods and avoiding any activity or food that puts stress on the affected area. It can take a while to get used to the bridge, however, there should be little to no pain caused during the process.

With good oral hygiene and proper care, your new dental bridge can last for well over ten years, with the average lifespan of a dental bridge being between five and fifteen years. It is recommended that you remain extra dilligent when it comes to your oral care routine, including regular brushing, careful flossing (especially around the teeth that support your bridge, and underneath your bridge), and regular use of antiseptic rinse.

For more information concerning how custom-made, permanent dental bridges are fitted and cared for, or whether or not they might benefit you and your situation, please contact Primary Dental Care in Garden Grove, California at 714-537-5700.