When you lose one or several teeth, it’s important to find a replacement option sooner than later. Without a tooth replacement, you might feel embarrassed of your smile, find it difficult to eat, lose bone in your jaw, or notice the adjacent teeth shifting into the empty spot. One of the tooth replacement solutions worth exploring is dental bridges. At Country Club Dentistry in Rancho Mirage, Dr. Strober can replace one or more missing teeth with natural-looking dental bridges. After your procedure, you will have a functional and beautiful smile once again.
If you need a tooth replacement, contact Country Club Dentistry at 760.832.7915 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Strober today.
What are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a tooth replacement option that comprises of three parts. On the ends of a bridge are two crowns that are placed over existing teeth to anchor themselves to the mouth. Resting between the two crowns is the abutment or false tooth, otherwise known as a pontic. The pontic replaces the missing tooth in your mouth and is supported by the dental crowns on either side.
Implant Bridges
If you need to replace more than one missing tooth, or your teeth are not strong enough to become anchors for your dental bridge, we will recommend implant bridges. Implant bridges use dental implants to stay fixed inside the mouth. Implant bridges can replace larger sections of missing teeth or entire arches.
If you would like to replace an entire arch of teeth, we highly recommend CeraSmile™, an alternative to dentures that replaces your missing teeth using dental implants and a ceramic bridge. CeraSmile™ usually takes just one day for a complete procedure, rejuvenates the appearance, sustains bone in the jaw, and looks and feels completely natural. CeraSmile™ is custom-made to fit your jaw and your facial features to provide you with the most comfortable and aesthetic results possible.
Who’s a Good Candidate for a Dental Bridge?
Most patients who have missing teeth are good candidates for dental bridges. To replace a single tooth, a patient must either have strong enough teeth to serve as anchors or be willing to get dental implants. For implant bridges, patients must have enough bone in their jaw to hold the implants in place and be free of gum disease or other compromising issues. If necessary, we can provide patients with a bone graft.
Patients are also good candidates for dental bridges if they are unhappy with their current tooth replacement solution. Whether it doesn’t look natural, feels uncomfortable, or doesn’t function well, Dr. Strober can replace it with a better solution.
Dental Bridge Procedure
The first part of your dental bridge procedure is a consultation with Dr. Strober. Dr. Strober will examine your mouth to make sure a dental bridge is the best solution for you and to ensure you’re a good candidate. If your existing teeth are strong enough to serve as anchors, he will begin by prepping the teeth. The preparation is to make room for the dental crowns that will be placed on top. After preparing the teeth, we will take impressions of the area with our CEREC to create your dental bridge in our office. Once the bridge is ready, Dr. Strober will check to make sure it fits and looks correct. After verifying, he will bond the bridge in place.
If you’re opting for implant bridges, Dr. Strober will also start your procedure with an examination. If you need a bone graft or extractions, he will address that first. Once you’re ready for your implant bridge, Dr. Strober will surgically place the dental implants in your jaw. Depending on how many teeth you need to replace will determine how many implants you need. Following the implant placement, Dr. Strober will take impressions of the area using our CEREC to create your bridge. Some patients can have their permanent bridge placed the same day as their implants and others might have to wait for it to heal a bit. If you’re able to get your bridge placed the same day, after the CEREC finishes creating it, Dr. Strober will check the appearance and fit and then attach the bridge to the implants.
Why Choose Country Club Dentistry for Dental Bridges
At Country Club Dentistry, we are proud to offer exceptional dental bridge services under the care of Dr. Rod Strober, a highly recognized cosmetic dentist with nearly 30 years of experience. As one of the most respected dental professionals in Southern California, Dr. Strober is committed to providing the best care with the latest advancements in dental technology.
Our practice treats every patient like family, ensuring a personalized experience with every visit. We invest in state-of-the-art equipment, including the CEREC machine, which allows Dr. Strober to design and mill custom crowns in just one appointment, providing faster and more convenient treatment without compromising quality. This dedication to advanced technology and patient-focused care makes Country Club Dentistry the right choice for your dental bridge needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does a dental bridge last?
A dental bridge typically lasts 5-15 years, depending on the material, the care you give it, and your oral health. Many bridges can last even longer with excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits.
How many teeth can a bridge replace?
You can replace one or more teeth. The number of teeth replaced depends on the type of bridge and the condition of the surrounding teeth or implants used to support the bridge.
Will a dental bridge affect my speech?
Initially, a dental bridge may affect your speech a bit as your mouth gets used to the new restoration. However, most patients quickly adapt, and the bridge should not interfere with your speech long-term.
How do I care for my dental bridge?
Caring for a dental bridge involves regular brushing, flossing, and cleaning underneath the bridge with a floss threader or water flosser to remove debris. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings will also promote the health of your supporting teeth and gums.
Can I eat normally with a dental bridge?
Yes, a dental bridge allows you to eat normally, though you should avoid very hard or sticky foods that could damage the bridge. Over time, you will feel comfortable eating most of your favorite foods again.
How soon after tooth loss can I get a dental bridge?
You can usually get a dental bridge within a few weeks after losing a tooth, depending on the health of your gums and remaining teeth. It's best to consult your dentist as soon as possible to determine the right time for a bridge.
What should I do if my dental bridge feels loose?
If your dental bridge feels loose, contact your dentist immediately. A loose bridge could indicate issues with the supporting teeth, gums, or the bridge itself. Prompt treatment can prevent more damage or complications.
How long does the same-day dental bridge procedure take?
The same-day dental bridge procedure typically takes about two to four hours. Our advanced CEREC machine saves you time compared to traditional methods that require multiple appointments.
Get Same-Day Dental Bridges in Rancho Mirage
In just one appointment, you will achieve a brand new smile that functions well and looks amazing. Are you ready to finally replace your missing teeth? Contact Country Club Dentistry to find out if dental bridges in Rancho Mirage are right for you. Dr. Strober will show you what your smile can look like by calling 760.832.7915 .