Patients often contact us for help filling in their missing teeth. If you have missing teeth, it is nothing to be embarrassed about. Teeth can fall out for many different reasons, such as gum disease, trauma or tooth decay.
Some people are also born without one or more permanent teeth. One of the most common procedures dentists use to fill in missing spaces is called a dental bridge. The longer you go without a tooth, the more your teeth will shift to accommodate the space from the missing tooth. Bone loss also occurs when a tooth is missing.
Thankfully, Dr. Garth Riopelle is experienced in many areas of dentistry. He can advise you about whether a dental bridge is a good option for your situation.
When you contact our office in a timely manner, you can avoid costly complications. At Dr. Garth Riopelle’s San Ramon, California office we use the most advanced technology to fill in gaps from missing teeth with realistic looking replacement teeth. We work hard to give you the smile of your dreams.
There are several options for patients who need teeth. Bridges, dentures or dental implants are the most common procedures. For patients who are missing one or two teeth, dental bridges are often the best choice. With a dental bridge, you can avoid the surgical procedure and waiting time necessary for dental implants.
When you make an appointment with Dr. Garth Riopelle, he is happy to discuss the procedure and answer all of your questions. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment plan. We will design a course of treatment that is specially tailored for your needs.
A dental bridge fills in a gap of missing teeth. A bridge works beautifully for people who are missing from one to four teeth. To ensure you are a good candidate, our professional staff will review your medical history, take x-rays and examine your teeth.
Patients who want a dental bridge must have teeth and gums that are healthy and disease-free. This is extremely important. Since a bridge is anchored to nearby teeth, all the teeth need to be in great condition in order for the procedure to be successful. If a person has gum disease or tooth decay, the bridge will not work.
The support teeth will be next to the place where the bridge and its tooth will go. The anchor teeth hold the bridge in place. Without strong anchor teeth, the bridge will be unsupportable. If you are missing a molar in the last position in the back of your mouth, for example, a bridge is not the best option because there is only one tooth adjacent to the molar space. You must have two healthy teeth to anchor the bridge.
Once your bridge is in place, you must be sure to continue good oral hygiene habits. It is crucial that you floss underneath the bridge. Taking care of your teeth and the bridge will determine how long the bridge will last. The crowns on the teeth can be damaged if you neglect them, and you might still develop gum disease.
Dr. Riopelle specializes in dental bridges and he wants to make sure every patient is happy with their smile. When you have a missing tooth, it can make you shy and reluctant to socialize with people because of the way you look. Dr. Riopelle and his San Ramon staff love making patients proud of their smile. Make an appointment with us today to find out if a dental bridge is the best option for you.
When you arrive at our office for a dental bridge consultation, Dr. Riopelle will put you at ease by explaining what to expect during the process. He will examine your mouth and gums and take x-rays to find out whether your existing teeth are healthy enough to support a bridge.
After a thorough evaluation, Dr. Riopelle will give you his recommendation. If you are ready for a dental bridge, we will recommend the most modern materials to complete the procedure. At our San Ramon office, we work with alumina, zirconia, gold, and porcelain to craft naturalistic teeth.
We will take an impression of your teeth and send the impression to a lab where your bridge will be made. While you wait for the bridge, we will give you a temporary bridge until the permanent one is ready. Once the permanent bridge arrives, you will return to our office to complete the procedure.
If your teeth and gums are not healthy enough for a dental bridge, Dr. Riopelle will recommend the dental procedures necessary before the bridge can be placed.
At the dental office of Dr. Riopelle, we know that replacing missing teeth is incredibly important to you. Confidence in your smile can make a difference in the way you work and relate to other people. Strong and healthy teeth also make chewing and talking easier. We will work closely with you so that you get the smile you deserve.
When you first get a dental bridge, it may feel a little uncomfortable. You should be aware that the bridge is more mobile than permanent teeth. We recommend that you chew carefully and eat a little slower than you are used to, just while your mouth is getting acclimated to the dental bridge.
If you are interested in learning more about a dental bridge, contact the team at Dr. Garth Riopelle’s San Ramon, CA office today. Dr. Riopelle has done thousands of dental bridges and can educate you about how the procedure works. Whether you are interested in implants, crowns, dentures or bridges, he can answer all of your questions and recommend corrective procedures.
Contact Dr. Riopelle now to schedule a consultation. We can’t wait to get started on making your dreams come true by giving you a fabulous smile.
