Dental Bridges in Sunnyvale, CA

A dental bridge typically lasts 5 to 7 years. However, you can make it last longer - more than 10 years! - by following a good oral hygiene routine and getting regular teeth cleaning at your dentist’s clinic.

A dental bridge’s cost will range from 1,500 $ to 5,000 $, depending on the type you select and your dentist’s recommendation. For a traditional dental bridge, you can expect the cost to be around 2,000 $ to 5,000 $, including a pontic and a crown for each of the abutment teeth. Dental insurance will typically pay a percentage of the cost, but coverage usually depends on your specific dental plan.

Some cons of dental bridges are: a slight risk of developing gum disease, placing crowns on otherwise healthy abutment teeth, the bridge can loosen up with time especially if it is on the back of the mouth because more chewing happens there, and bridges don’t stop bone loss from happening the same way implants do.

The dental bridge procedure is not painful as your dentist will use a local anesthetic. However, it will hurt after the procedure, which is normal. The pain will disappear after a few days and pain killers can be taken to alleviate it. Make sure you tell your dentist if the pain lasts more than a week as it may be a sign of infection.

A dental bridge can be completed in 1 to 2 visits. During your first visit, your dentist will take impressions to create your customized bridge, as well as prepare the abutment teeth and install the crowns for them. On your second visit, the bridge will be placed.

By flossing! It is very important to floss under your bridge every day to remove bacteria and plaque.

Yes, but only if the bridge is loose. Loose bridges can often be removed and repaired. But, the cement that is usually used to keep a bridge in place is meant to last for many years, making it sometimes difficult to remove without damaging the abutment teeth.

A bridge fills a gap of missing teeth, while a crown covers an already existing tooth. It all depends on your situation and oral health.

• Dental bridges can reverse the damage of the tooth by forming acting as a protective barrier on the tooth.
• Dental bridges are made to look and work like natural teeth. However, unlike natural teeth, crowns don’t stain.
• Some types of dental crowns are stronger than others. For example, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are all about strength and aesthetics. The metal structure gives the crown strength and stability, while the porcelain material provides the crown with a pearly sheen.
• Dental bridges can last for several years before getting worn down. Although they can last a decade, you can’t make them last forever.

It is CRITICAL to follow all the instructions to prepare for surgery. Your procedure WILL NOT be carried out, if these precautions are not followed. We reserve the right to cancel or postpone surgery if any of the instructions are not followed. If you have any questions, please call or text (408) 505-1777. Notify our practice of any changes to your health before your procedure.

Activity

• Get full night’s sleep before and after the treatment. The human body recovers the most when at rest. Most of the "repairs" are done while a person is asleep, so make sure you get a lot of sleep to make the recovery from the procedure as smooth as possible.

Diet

• Avoid anything to eat or drink for 6 hours prior to your appointment.
• Consumption of alcohol must be avoided, 24 hours prior to the surgery.
• If you use tobacco or marijuana products, please refrain from using it at the day of the procedure and be prepared to stop for a period afterwards. It is advisable to use anti-smoking aids (Ex. Lozenge, Patch, Anti-smoking pills)

Medication

• If you are taking any medication, please inform your dentist immediately. If you take prescription medication, take them at your normal times unless otherwise directed by your physician or dentist. DO NOT stop taking any prescription medication unless directed by your physician and dentist.

Oral hygiene

• Please brush your teeth and rinse thoroughly before treatment.

Driver/Caretaker

• Your driver/caretaker MUST be present at the time of sedation and must be able to stay with you during the procedure, take you back home and stay with you. We will discuss the post-operative instructions with you and your driver/caretaker prior to sedation process.

Clothing

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing for the procedure. Your clothes may stain during the procedure so dress accordingly. Wear Flat-soled shoes that support your ankle.
• Do not wear cosmetics around the mouth, as they may be inadvertently transferred in the surgical area during the procedure. Prior to surgery, your nose, cheeks, lips, and chin will be disinfected.

Time

• Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment.
• Time is set aside specifically to place your procedure. We have reserved enough time to ensure that the operation proceeds smoothly so that the outcome will be successful. If you feel you will have any problem keeping your appointment, please give us as much notice as possible so that we might utilize your time for another patient.

Alcohol

• Consumption of alcohol must be avoided, 24 hours prior to the surgery.

Activity

• After your appointment when anesthetic has been used, your lips, teeth and tongue may be numb for several hours. Avoid any chewing on the side of the treated tooth until the numbness has completely worn off.

Diet

• Avoid chewing sticky foods (especially gum). Avoid biting hard foods and hard substances, such as ice, fingernails, and pencils. If possible, chew only on the opposite side of your mouth.

Pain

• It's normal to experience some discomfort for several days after treatment, especially when chewing.

Medication

• To control discomfort, take pain medication as recommended by your dentist. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if all symptoms and signs of infection are gone.
• If you were not prescribed a pain medication by us but are experiencing pain after your appointment, we recommend taking over the counter pain medication. We recommend ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin) or naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox). Should you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with pain medications or should swelling develop, please call our office.

Oral Hygiene

• It's important to continue to brush and floss normally.

Swelling

• If you have signs of swelling or increasing pain, or if you have any further discomfort or concerns, do let your dentist know.

• You develop an allergic reaction (rash, itching etc.)
• You develop a fever
• You develop a swelling
• You notice a pimple forming on your gums
• You have difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Pain increases over time and or becomes severe
• You have any concerns or questions

Email: care@tridentsmilesdental.com

Phone: (408) 505-1777

If you are unable to contact your dentist and are in pain or have other concerns, go to your nearest emergency room.

If you experience any life-threatening problems, call 911 immediately for assistance.