Bridges Specialist
Missing teeth can make everyday life incredibly challenging. In fact, just one missing tooth can make eating and talking difficult and affect the position of your other teeth. At Downtown Dentist SF in the Union Square neighborhood of San Francisco, experienced dentist Stefka Petrova, DDS, installs dental bridges, comfortably restoring the function and appearance of missing teeth. Schedule an appointment online or over the phone.
Bridges Q & A
What is a dental bridge?
A bridge is a dental appliance that “bridges” the gap left by missing teeth. Bridges both replace a missing tooth and use the surrounding teeth to support the replacement. They include artificial teeth, usually made of porcelain, and a supporting structure, usually made of metal.
Bridges are an effective option to replace one or multiple missing teeth. If you’re missing just one tooth, Dr. Petrova simply uses your natural teeth to support the bridge. If you’re missing multiple teeth that are next to each other, she installs implants and crowns, which then support the bridge.
Missing teeth can affect you in a number of ways. Just one missing tooth can:
Cause a noticeable gap in your smile
Cause your other teeth to shift out of position
Affect your ability to chew food properly
Hinder your speech and pronunciation
Change the shape of your face
Put extra pressure on your jaw
Bridges can fix these problems. As an experienced dentist, Dr. Petrova focuses on restorative work that both looks and functions great.
What is the procedure to install a bridge?
Typically, dental bridges require at least two appointments. If you’re using your natural teeth to support the bridge, Dr. Petrova needs to prepare the teeth by removing some of the enamel. During this part of the procedure, you receive a local anesthetic to numb the area.
After preparing your teeth to support the bridge, Dr. Petrova takes impressions, which she sends to a dental lab. While you wait for the dental lab to create your bridge, you wear a temporary bridge protecting the area until your next appointment. At the following appointment, Dr. Petrova removes your temporary bridge and fits you with your permanent bridge.
How does it feel to have a bridge?
It’s common to need a few days to get adjusted to your new bridge. Once you do, bridges act just like natural teeth. You can enjoy all the same foods that you can with a full set of natural teeth, and it’s much easier to speak clearly with a bridge than with a missing tooth.
As with natural teeth, bridges last longer with good dental hygiene and care habits. It’s important to brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss at least once a day, and get regular checkups with Dr. Petrova. If you take care of your bridge, you can expect it to last at least 10 years.
To find out if a bridge is the right option for you, schedule an appointment with Dr. Petrova online or over the phone.