Dental bridges in Los Angeles, CA: Your treatment guide

Patients searching for dental bridges in Los Angeles, CA can find clear information here from Leith K Shawaf DDS. This page explains what a bridge is, how it works, the types available, benefits, and what to expect from start to finish. If one or more teeth are missing, a bridge may restore function and appearance in a predictable way.

Dental bridges explained

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. It uses the teeth next to the gap, called abutment teeth, or dental implants as supports. The replacement tooth, known as the pontic, fills the space to rebuild your bite and smile. Common materials include porcelain, zirconia, and porcelain fused to metal for strength and lifelike translucency.

There are several types of dental bridges:

• Traditional bridge: Uses crowns on the teeth on both sides of the gap to support a pontic.
• Cantilever bridge: Uses a single abutment tooth on one side when only one support is available.
• Maryland bridge: Uses a metal or ceramic framework bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth to conserve tooth structure.
• Implant-supported bridge: Anchors to implants placed in the jaw for stability without relying on natural teeth.

How a bridge can help

Replacing a missing tooth is about more than appearance. A well-made bridge can improve function and oral health. Many patients ask what the benefits of dental bridges are and how they compare to other options.

• Restores chewing efficiency and makes eating more comfortable.
• Supports clear speech by replacing gaps that can affect pronunciation.
• Helps prevent neighboring teeth from drifting into the space.
• Maintains facial support by preserving proper bite relationships.
• Offers a time-tested option when implants are not appropriate.

The dental bridge process

While details vary, the dental bridge procedure steps follow a predictable pattern. Here is a general overview of how a dental bridge works from evaluation to delivery:

• Consultation and exam: dentist evaluates your bite, gums, and abutment teeth with an exam and imaging to confirm candidacy and discuss types of dental bridges.
• Tooth preparation: If a traditional bridge is chosen, a small amount of enamel is shaped from the abutment teeth for crowns. Implant-supported options involve implant placement instead.
• Impressions or scans: Digital scans or impressions capture precise details for the lab to fabricate the bridge.
• Temporary protection: A temporary bridge protects prepared teeth and maintains appearance while the final is made.
• Fitting and cementation: The final bridge is checked for fit, bite, and shade. Once approved, it is bonded or screwed in place.
• Follow-up: A brief visit confirms comfort, bite balance, and hygiene techniques for long-term success.

Your experience and aftercare

Local anesthesia keeps the procedure comfortable, and most patients report only mild soreness afterward. Sensitivity to temperature can occur and usually fades within days to weeks. Good home care is essential because bridges rely on healthy supporting teeth and gums.

Daily care tips include the following:

• Brush twice daily with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste around the bridge margins.
• Clean under the pontic with a floss threader, interdental brush, or water flosser to remove plaque.
• Maintain regular checkups and professional cleanings to monitor the bridge and abutment teeth.
• Avoid very sticky or hard foods if advised, especially with temporary restorations.

Patients often ask how long dental bridges last. With consistent home care and routine visits, a bridge commonly lasts 5 to 15 years or more. Longevity depends on factors like bite forces, gum health, and avoidance of decay. Nightguards may be recommended if clenching or grinding is present.

Alternatives and candidacy

Choosing between a dental bridge vs implant or a removable partial denture depends on jawbone health, number of missing teeth, and personal preferences. A bridge may be a strong choice when adjacent teeth already need crowns or when implants are not feasible. An implant-supported bridge avoids shaping neighboring teeth and can help preserve bone. A consultation at Leith K Shawaf DDS in Los Angeles, CA can outline the pros and cons of each path based on your goals.