Dental Bridges in Clovis, CA

Missing one or more teeth can affect your ability to chew, speak, and smile comfortably. A dental bridge is one option for replacing missing teeth and restoring the appearance and function of your smile.

At Clovis Country Dental, we evaluate the missing tooth area, neighboring teeth, gums, bite, and overall oral health before recommending a bridge.

Depending on your situation, a traditional bridge or implant-supported bridge may be considered.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration designed to replace one or more missing teeth.

A traditional bridge generally uses neighboring teeth for support, while an implant-supported bridge uses dental implants rather than relying solely on natural teeth.

The appropriate design depends on:

Number of missing teeth
Location of the missing teeth
Condition of neighboring teeth
Jawbone support
Bite
Overall oral health

Why Replace Missing Teeth?

Replacing missing teeth may help:

Restore chewing function
Improve speech
Prevent unwanted movement of some neighboring teeth
Restore the appearance of your smile
Support a more balanced bite

Your dentist can explain whether a bridge, implant, denture, or another option is appropriate.

Traditional Dental Bridges

A traditional bridge typically uses crowns placed on supporting teeth adjacent to the missing tooth or teeth.

The artificial tooth or teeth between the supporting crowns fill the gap created by tooth loss.

Traditional bridges may be appropriate when neighboring teeth are healthy enough to provide support.

Implant-Supported Bridges

An implant-supported bridge uses dental implants to support the restoration.

This approach may be considered when multiple adjacent teeth are missing and the patient is an appropriate candidate for implant treatment.

Learn more about Dental Implants in Clovis, CA.

Dental Bridges vs. Dental Implants

A bridge and an implant are different treatment approaches.

A dental implant replaces the root portion of a missing tooth and can support a crown or other restoration.

A traditional bridge uses neighboring teeth for support.

Your dentist will evaluate your oral health, bone support, neighboring teeth, and treatment goals before recommending an option.

Dental Bridges vs. Dentures

Dentures are removable appliances that can replace multiple missing teeth or an entire arch.

A dental bridge is generally fixed in place and may replace a smaller number of missing teeth.

Learn more about Dentures to compare another tooth replacement option.

What Happens During the Dental Bridge Procedure?

Treatment usually begins with a comprehensive dental examination.

Your dentist evaluates:

Missing tooth area
Supporting teeth
Gums
Bite
Jawbone
Existing restorations

If the missing tooth resulted from a recent extraction, your dentist will determine whether the area is ready for bridge treatment.

If an existing tooth needs to be removed, learn more about Dental Extractions.

Dental Crowns and Bridges

Traditional bridges often use dental crowns as part of the supporting structure.

If the neighboring teeth are heavily restored, damaged, or otherwise unsuitable to support a bridge, your dentist may discuss alternative tooth replacement options.

Learn more about Dental Crowns.

How Long Does a Dental Bridge Last?

The lifespan of a bridge depends on several factors, including:

Oral hygiene
Condition of supporting teeth
Bite forces
Grinding or clenching
Diet
Regular dental care
Proper maintenance

Maintaining good oral hygiene around and under the bridge is particularly important.

Regular Dental Hygiene Care can help support the health of your teeth and gums.

Caring for a Dental Bridge

A bridge should be cleaned regularly just like natural teeth.

Your dentist or dental hygienist can show you how to clean around the restoration and beneath the replacement tooth.

You should also:

Brush twice daily.
Clean between your teeth.
Attend regular dental examinations.
Follow recommended hygiene appointments.
Avoid using your teeth to open packages or bite hard objects.
Report any looseness, discomfort, or changes in the bridge.

What If a Dental Bridge Becomes Loose?

A loose bridge should be evaluated by a dentist.

Do not attempt to permanently repair it yourself.

Keep the restoration safe and contact your dental office for an evaluation.

If the supporting tooth is painful or damaged, additional treatment may be required.