Missing teeth can significantly impact your appearance, oral health, and quality of life. At McCullough Dental, we understand how important it is to feel confident in your smile and comfortable when eating or speaking. That’s why we offer expertly crafted dental bridges to help restore the function and beauty of your teeth.
Whether you’ve lost teeth due to decay, injury, or other circumstances, dental bridges provide a seamless, long-lasting solution to complete your smile. Call our team today to set up a consultation.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is used to replace multiple missing teeth and restore your smile to its original beauty. The term “bridge” is used because your existing natural teeth are used as anchor points for a dental appliance that fills the gap where your teeth are missing.
Why Use Dental Bridges to Replace Your Tooth?
Dental bridges are a tooth replacement option. They are a great way for us to maintain your dental health and the beauty of your smile. Here are some specific advantages that apply to bridges:
- Cost-Effective: As far as restorative dentistry goes, dental bridges are one of the least expensive methods of replacing teeth.
- Smile-Sustaining: Not only do bridges give you a new service to chew with, but they also keep your other teeth from shifting around and throwing off your bite.
- Fully Functional: Our bridges are made to look and act just like the rest of your permanent teeth. You can enjoy the freedom of eating all your favorite foods without restraint.
It is important to replace missing teeth because your jaw structure will change over time, making eating and talking more difficult as you age. Your teeth will also shift to make up for that gap, leading to a misaligned smile. A dental bridge can keep your teeth in place while maintaining the proper function of your mouth.
Why Would I Need a Dental Bridge?
Losing a tooth can affect more than just your appearance—it can also impact your oral health and daily functioning. A missing tooth can lead to shifting of adjacent teeth, difficulty chewing, and loss of confidence in your smile. Dental bridges are a highly effective solution for replacing missing teeth, offering:
- Improved Appearance: Restores the natural contours of your smile
- Better Function: Allows for easier eating and speaking abilities
- Prevention of Teeth Shifting: Keeps surrounding teeth from drifting out of position
- Enhanced Comfort: Offers a more secure and comfortable solution compared to removable options like dentures
What to Expect
Because we consider our patients to be members of our family and we strive to provide the best dental care possible, McCullough Dental uses CEREC technology to create the crowns that go in our dental bridges. This technology is so accurate and efficient that you can come in for your consultation and leave with your dental bridge in the same appointment!
We are so excited to help your smile become whole again! When you come to see us for a dental bridge, this is what a standard appointment could look like:
- Consultation: We’ll discuss the issues you’re facing, your dental history, and whether or not you’ll be a good fit for dental bridges.
- Preparation: The supporting teeth on either side of the gap will be filed down in preparation to support the bridge in place.
- Creation: Each patient’s smile is unique, so we’ll make sure your dental bridge matches your mouth. We consider matching the shape and color of each prosthetic an art form.
- Placement: Last is placing the dental crowns on either side of the bridge that will hold your replacement tooth in its proper position. Using dental adhesive, we will cement the bridge over your abutment teeth and close the gap.
Now you can enjoy a full smile again! Bridges are sturdy hardware that is long-lasting. Feel free to eat as you please with no dietary restrictions. As long as you brush and floss regularly, as well as visit us for your biannual appointments, your bridge will last you many years to come.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
Caring for your dental bridge is important to ensure its longevity and maintain optimal oral health. Here are a few maintenance tips that we suggest:
- Brush Regularly: Continue brushing your teeth at least twice a day, including the bridge, to remove plaque and food substances.
- Floss Daily: Special flossing tools like floss threaders can help clean around the bridge and between your teeth.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Be mindful of eating very hard or sticky foods that could damage or dislodge the bridge.
- Schedule Regular Dental Visits: Routine checkups will help ensure the bridge is in good condition and that your overall oral health is maintained.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges
Here are some commonly asked questions about dental bridges. If you have more questions about this treatment, please reach out to us today!
How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?
With proper care, dental bridges can last 10–15 years, sometimes even longer. The longevity of your bridge will depend on factors like your oral hygiene routine and overall dental health.
Are Dental Bridges Painful?
The dental bridge procedure is typically not painful. Your dentist will numb the area before the work is done. You may experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity after the procedure, but this should subside in a few days.
Will a Dental Bridge Look Natural?
Yes! Dental bridges are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Dr. McCullough will match the color, shape, and size of the false tooth to complement your surrounding teeth, ensuring a natural-looking smile.
How Is a Dental Bridge Different From a Dental Implant?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that attaches to the natural teeth or implants next to the gap, while a dental implant involves placing a titanium post into the jawbone to support a crown or bridge. Implants are generally more durable and don’t rely on adjacent teeth for support, but they can require more time and cost to complete.
Can a Dental Bridge Be Removed?
No, dental bridges are permanent fixtures. Once placed, they are cemented or bonded to the surrounding teeth or implants, making them a more secure and stable option than removable dentures.
Can I Get a Dental Bridge If I Don’t Have Healthy Teeth on Either Side of the Gap?
If you don’t have healthy natural teeth on either side of the gap, an implant-supported bridge may be an option. In this case, dental implants are used to support the bridge instead of relying on natural teeth.
Can I Get a Bridge for Missing Front Teeth?
Yes! Dental bridges are commonly used to replace missing front teeth. The materials used, such as porcelain, are designed to match the appearance of your natural teeth, giving you a beautiful smile!
Have More Questions?
If you have additional questions about dental bridges or would like to learn more about how they can benefit your smile, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our team is happy to help you explore your options and find the best solution for your dental health!
Is McCullough Dental Right for You?
As a Bakersfield dental office, we gravitate towards serving residents of Bakersfield, CA, and the surrounding areas who care about quality dentistry, looking great, and being healthy. If that sounds like you, we can’t wait to meet you!
At McCullough Dental, your health is our main concern, closely followed by making your smile look great! We consider dentistry an artistic medium and are positive and precise in every service we provide, from regular cleanings to implant surgery. McCullough Dental is on its way to becoming one of the best dental options in Bakersfield.
McCullough Dental and staff have treated me like family over the past couple of years. When I arrived, I was greeted by a loving staff, who cares, and I was taken back within minutes of my arrival! And when there’s major work to be performed on my teeth, Dr. McCullough sat me down and explained what needs to be done and why. And I go into the procedure with confidence knowing I will be taken care of, and it’s because of Dr. McCullough and staff professionalism I am recommending to anyone looking for the best dental care in California.
– Clarence H.
Fill the Gaps in Your Smile Today!
Living with missing teeth is no fun, whether they are in the front of your mouth or the back. Contact us today to learn more about our bridges, or to schedule an appointment if you are in the Bakersfield area, including Tehachapi and Delano, CA.