Dental Bridges Sunnyvale, CA
All of your teeth play an important role in speaking, chewing and in maintaining proper alignment of other teeth. Tooth loss doesn’t necessarily have to occur as you age, but if you do lose teeth they must be replaced to maintain proper function of your mouth. Fortunately, there are options for correcting tooth loss.
Dental Bridge Options
A dental bridge — a device used to replace missing teeth — attaches artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth. Bridges are either permanently attached (fixed bridges), or they can be removable.
Restore Your Smile with Dental Bridges!
Missing teeth can affect your appearance and oral health. A dental bridge can fill those gaps, restoring your ability to speak, chew, and smile with confidence. Don’t wait any longer to reclaim your dental health!
Fixed bridges are applied by either placing crowns on the abutment teeth or by bonding the artificial teeth directly to the abutment teeth. Removable bridges are attached to the teeth with metal clasps or by precision attachments.
If you’re missing one or more teeth, you may be aware of their importance to your appearance and dental health. Your teeth work together for many daily functions from eating to speaking. With missing teeth, it’s difficult to do these things. Missing teeth can and should be replaced. Fixed bridges are a great way to restore your dental health and appearance.
What exactly is a dental bridge or fixed partial denture?
A bridge (fixed partial denture) is a device which fills the gap where teeth are absent. Fixed bridges are bonded into place and can only be removed by a dental professional. Removable bridges, as the name implies, can be taken out and cleaned. Fixed bridges offer more stability than their removable counterparts.
Why do I need a dental bridge?
Oral functionality and appearance are important reasons for wearing a bridge. A bridge helps support your lips and cheeks. The loss of a back tooth may cause your mouth to sink and your face to look older.
Dental health is the most important reason for a bridge. Teeth were designed to complement each other. Unusual stresses are placed on the gums and other oral tissues when teeth are missing, causing a number of potentially harmful disorders.
Increased risk of gum disease has proven to be one of the worst side effects of missing teeth and can be minimized with a bridge.
Missing teeth can cause speech disorders as they are used to make many of the sounds we use to speak clearly.
How is a dental bridge attached?
The attachment procedure usually takes two or three appointments to complete. At the first appointment Dr. Lucero will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin.
Since the bridge must be fabricated very precisely to ensure correct bite and to match the opposing tooth, impressions of the teeth are taken and sent to a lab where the bridge will be constructed.
Fixed bridges are typically cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing tooth. A pontic (false tooth) replaces the lost tooth. Dental crowns, which are cemented onto the natural teeth, provide support for the bridge.
What materials are used for dental bridges?
Bridges can be constructed from gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Porcelain is often bonded to either precious or non-precious metal.
How do I take care of my bridge?
A strict regimen of brushing and flossing will keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. This is of critical importance as the bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support.
Alexia R. Lucero, DDS
Patient Review By robert w
One aspect for maintaining a healthy lifestyle is having a competent dental professional;. For over 20 years I've been grateful for the advice and skills I've received from Dr Lucero. Perhaps none more important than the recent advice and strong suggestions I received from her. Dr Lucero noticed a lesion on the inside of my lower lip. I could not see or feel it. She found it during a routine dental check up. Dr Lucero suggested I immediately consult with a physician. My doctor ordered a biopsy. It came back positive for grade level 2 squamous cell carcinoma Surgery followed by removing a small wedge of my lower lip. When the surgeon asked how I discovered the lesion, I told him it was Dr Lucero. He acknowledged that was an excellent call on her part. Without her early detection the small lesson could have morphed into a far more serious condition. . Thank you Dr Lucero for your many years of. professional care. Robert Woolsey
- robert w
Patient Review By Carrie S
Dr. Lucero has taken extra care to be sure I understand and am comfortable with every procedure. I leave her office, wanting to smile!
- Carrie S
Patient Review By Jen R
Dr Lucero is great! My family has been coming here for years and she’s a wonderful doctor. We feel very comfortable with Dr Lucero, she is a great listener and very intelligent and informed. I appreciate her willingness to explain procedures so I feel relaxed.
- Jen R
Patient Review By Michelle S
My dentist for a very long time.
- Michelle S
Patient Review By Mikki C
Always great service when I come for my treatment. Dr. Lucero and her staff are accommodating and kind every time I have an appointment. I highly recommend Dr. Lucero!
- Mikki C
Patient Review By Dolline G
I travel from Auburn, California to be in her dental chair. I’ve surch for closer dental care and have been disappointed with what I’ve found. So I’ll travel hours and miles to come back her to see Alexia Lucero.
- Dolline G
Patient Review By Jeff B
I had Dental bonding that changed my smile! I am so happy with how it turned out!!
- Jeff B
Patient Review By Jeff B
Very satisfied.
- Jeff B
Patient Review By Adriana W
They are an amazing group that makes our family feel so welcome every time we come. In addition to being great about regular appts (cleanings) they have been great during my clear braces process. And wow, what a difference! Thank you Dr. Lucero and staff!!!
- Adriana W
Patient Review By Barbara S
Once you come to dr Lucero you will wonder how you did not find her sooner
- Barbara S
Patient Review By Barbara S
Have been with dr. Lucero for decades. The best dentist I have ever had. She is excellent and makes it a pleasure to come to her office.
- Barbara S
Patient Review By Barry H
If going to the Dentist is not your thing they could possibly change your mind. I actually enjoy coming in.
- Barry H
Patient Review By Christopher J
The results of getting the implant have been amazing. I previously had a bridge and it finally broke after about 25 years. Dr. Lucero walked me through the options of replacing the bridge or getting an implant. I am so glad that I did the implant. It acts just like a natural tooth and I can feel no difference eating on the implant and my other teeth. Dr. Lucero had me whiten my teeth before ordering the implant crown. The overall effect was that all my teeth matched in color. Dr. Lucero did not do the surgery. She worked closely with an oral surgeon collegue, even showing up to discuss the procedure with the surgeon and me. The overall experience was well coordinated and I felt like I was working with a team. I would recommend this office and this procedure. It's like having a natural tooth.
- Christopher J
Patient Review By Rosa P
Love that dentist so much
- Rosa P
Patient Review By Denielle F
I was made to feel comfortable and my worries put at ease.
- Denielle F
Patient Review By Diane w
I came to Dr. Lucero's office with a broken tooth. I was taken in promptly and fitted with a temporary crown allowing me to enjoy Christmas dinner! Jenelle in the front office is pleasant, kind and very knowledgeable about the services being provided. Yesenia, dental assistant is calm and efficient. Ashley, hygienist has painlessly performed root planing and scaling stopping the progression of my gingivitis. She is a magician when it comes to periodontal maintenance. I am happy with my dental fillings, crowns, teeth cleaning and Zoom whiting procedure. I am very grateful to Dr. Lucero and her staff. I doubt I'll ever find a dentist who compares.
- Diane w