Dental Bridges Truckee, CA

Choosing the right option to replace missing teeth is essential to enjoy comfortable and secure results. Restoring one or more missing teeth can help support your long-term dental health. Dr. Jason Baldwin can place custom-made dental bridges in his Truckee, CA, dental office. Bridges are dental restorations that match your natural teeth and fit comfortably within your smile.

A dental bridge can be an excellent alternative for those with insufficient bone for a dental implant. Patients who need a more immediate solution to replace teeth can also benefit from a tooth bridge. However, we can sometimes recommend implants to secure bridges for a longer-lasting result.

Dental Bridges in Truckee, CA

What Is A Dental Bridge?

Designed for replacing one or more consecutive teeth, a dental bridge literally “bridges the gap” between two remaining teeth. There are two basic types of dental bridges:

  • Removable Dental Bridges: A removal bridge attaches to either two natural teeth or dental implants. You can remove these bridges for daily cleaning. This type of bridge is typically considered a short-term fix and does not offer long-term dental health benefits.
  • Fixed Dental Bridges: We recommend fixed dental bridges for most patients. We permanently attach this bridge using dental implants or natural teeth strengthened by a dental crown for a secure, lasting result.

Replacing one or more missing teeth with dental bridges in our Truckee, CA office can prevent problems from missing teeth. Restoring missing teeth can maintain your natural face shape. Bridges can also prevent shifting teeth, overcrowding, and the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Dental Bridge vs. Implants: What to Consider

During a consultation, Dr. Baldwin will discuss your most suitable replacement options. However, there are several factors we will consider as part of your treatment planning:

  • Health and bone structure: The health and stability of your jaw bone structure can play a role in your candidacy for dental implants. Sometimes, we recommend bone grafting procedures if you need additional support. If you are not a candidate for dental implants, a traditional dental bridge may be the best solution.
  • Cost: A dental bridge may be more affordable in the short term than a dental implant. However, implants typically provide a better long-term solution. They are less likely to need repair or replacement in the future.
  • Stable restoration: Dental implants are the closest thing to a natural tooth. The dental implant is anchored to the bone. This allows the patient to eat whatever they want, brush and floss normally, and have unaffected speech. While the dental bridge is highly durable, the concern is for the health of neighboring teeth. If one of the anchor teeth fails or needs dental work, it compromises the entire dental bridge.
  • Procedure and recovery: The total time it takes to receive an implant-supported bridge is about four to eight months. Dental implant surgery is a relatively comfortable and quick procedure. There will be a three to six-month recovery period before the final restoration is completed to allow for sufficient healing and integration of the post. However, a dental bridge can be placed in about two to three weeks.

Dental Bridge FAQs

Learn more about treatment with dental bridges in our Truckee, CA office with answers to these common questions:

When should I replace my removable dental bridge?

The sooner you replace your removable dental bridge with a permanent solution, the better for your long-term oral health. A removable bridge is an excellent option for patients who can’t get a permanent tooth replacement option. You should not use it as a final solution.

Most dentists will recommend a permanent option because a removable bridge does not support your jawbone and neighboring teeth. Without a fixed solution, your teeth can shift, your jawbone degrades quicker over time, and facial sagging is more prevalent.

How do you clean a fixed dental bridge?

Cleaning a dental bridge is the same as brushing your teeth. The most essential thing to remember when cleaning around your fixed dental bridge is to floss under the bridge. Floss daily under the bridge. The food that sticks under the bridge can harbor bacteria that cause damage to your gums.

What can’t you eat with a dental bridge?

Dentists recommend staying away from chewy foods and extra foods. Chewy food can get stuck in your bridge and become hard to remove. This can lead to bad breath and gum disease. Hard foods can damage, break, and bend your bridge. This can cause your bridge to become loose and create unnecessary pain.

Do dental bridges come out at night?

Dental bridges are a permanent solution and do not come out at night. Dentists sit dental bridges in place. As a result, only they can remove them. Bridges are not like removable dentures. They stay in your mouth all the time, including at night, and you brush and floss them just as you do your natural teeth.

Will I be awake during my dental bridge procedure?

Yes, you will be awake during a dental bridge procedure. The dentist will typically use local anesthesia to numb the area around the teeth involved in the procedure. As a result, you’ll be conscious and aware throughout the process. You might feel some pressure, but you shouldn’t feel any pain. If you feel anxious about the treatment, talk to your dentist about sedation options.

Can you get a dental bridge in one day?

Some dental offices offer same-day dental bridges using advanced technology like CAD/CAM. This technology allows the dentist to design, create, and place the bridge in a single appointment. However, the traditional process, which involves at least two visits, may be necessary for some patients. Consult with your dentist to know your options.

Restore Multiple Missing Teeth

Replacing lost and missing teeth can improve your dental and physical well-being. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Baldwin in Truckee, CA, to learn how a dental bridge could solve your dental problems.

Call our dental office at (530) 206-0392 or use our online request form. We will contact you shortly. Our office looks forward to helping you restore a beautiful, healthy smile.