Purpose of a Dental Bridge

Teeth may be missing due to dental trauma, dental injury, or from decay. Regardless of the reason, at All Coast Dental, we offer a variety of cosmetic and restorative options to replace missing teeth. If patients are looking for a cost-effective way to improve his or her smile, consider discussing a dental bridge with one of our doctors.

A dental bridge is made up of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap – these two or more anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth – and false tooth/teeth in between. Dental bridges are supported by natural teeth or dental implants and are a great option to restore your smile and restore the ability to properly chew and speak. They will also help maintain the shape of your face and prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental bridges, please give us a call. To learn about services provided at our practice, visit www.allcoastdental.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA, call 858-270-4904.

Why is it Important to Replace Missing Teeth?

When a tooth is lost or is extracted, it may seem okay to leave the space open if it is not bothering you, but it is actually very important to fill that space quickly. At All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA, we offer several options for tooth replacement and we want our patients to know why it is important to replace a missing tooth sooner rather than later.

When a tooth is lost, the bone in the jaw begins to deteriorate. As we get older, the deterioration speeds up. Bone loss can hinder the success of replacement in the future. When a single tooth is lost, the other teeth will shift towards that open space. This creates differences in your bite. This can also introduce gaps between teeth which can become hard-to-reach areas that collect bacteria. Gums can also become irritated if the matching tooth on the opposite set of teeth clacks up against it instead of the tooth that used to be there.

If multiple teeth are missing, the jaw can actually change shape as it deteriorates which will change facial structure. When most or all teeth are missing, facial muscles can begin to sag which makes a person appear older than they are.

At All Coast Dental, we have several options for tooth replacement including dental implants, bridges, and dentures. To schedule an appointment at our Pacific Beach, CA office, call us at (858) 270-4904 or visit our website, www.allcoastdental.net. 

Dental Bridge for Tooth Replacment

An open space in a smile can cause hygiene problems, functional problems, and it can really alter the way one’s smile looks. Replacing a missing tooth is important. Here at All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA, one of the options we have for tooth replacement is a dental bridge.  

A dental bridge is a popular option for tooth replacement that has been around for a long time. They are able to be made to fit in with the rest of your teeth, so the restoration is not obvious or even detectable! To apply a dental bridge, we attach the replacement tooth to two crowns that are attached to your existing teeth.

In order to place a bridge, first we must prepare the surrounding teeth. The teeth that are adjacent to the open space will act as the foundation for the bridge. They are reshaped so that a dental crown can fit on each of them. Next, we take an impression of the teeth and the surrounding area so a dental laboratory can create a custom bridge. The bridge, again, consists of two crowns and a replacement tooth in the middle. There are also options for when there is only one tooth next to the open space. During the creation process, you will wear a temporary bridge. This creation process may take a few weeks. When the permanent bridge is ready, we cement it into place.

To re-complete your smile, a dental bridge may be the perfect option. To schedule your consultation with All Coast Dental of Pacific Beach, CA, call us at (858) 270-4909 or visit our website, www.allcoastdental.net.