Bridges in West Hills
Maybe you lost a back tooth to a crack that couldn't be saved, or an old extraction left a gap you've learned to chew around. Over time, you notice food catching in the space and the neighboring teeth starting to lean. For many West Hills patients, a dental bridge is a practical way to close that gap and get back to eating, speaking, and smiling without thinking twice. At 805 Dentistry, our team led by Dr. Dar Radfar, DDS, plans and places bridges for families throughout West Hills and the surrounding communities.
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by "bridging" the space between healthy teeth or implants. The replacement tooth, called a pontic, is held in place by supports on either side. In a traditional bridge, those supports are crowns placed over the natural teeth next to the gap. In an implant-supported bridge, dental implants serve as the anchors instead.
Unlike a removable partial denture, a bridge stays in your mouth. You brush and clean it every day rather than taking it out at night. We offer both traditional and implant-supported bridges, so we can match the approach to your mouth, your bone and gum health, and your goals rather than steering everyone toward one option.
A missing tooth affects more than appearance. Neighboring teeth can drift into the open space, the opposing tooth can shift, and your bite can change in ways that make chewing less comfortable. A bridge fills the space so the surrounding teeth have a stable partner again.
Patients from West Hills often tell us they want something that feels like part of their smile, not an appliance. Here is what a well-planned bridge can offer:
- A fixed replacement that doesn't come out for cleaning
- Help keeping nearby teeth from shifting into the gap
- More even chewing on both sides of your mouth
- Clearer speech when a missing tooth has affected certain sounds
- A natural-looking result designed to blend with your other teeth
Am I a good candidate for a dental bridge?
If you are missing one or more teeth in a row and have healthy teeth or enough bone for implants on either side of the space, you may be a good candidate. We start with a dental exam and imaging, including 2D and 3D options and CBCT imaging when we need a detailed view of bone and surrounding structures.
Healthy gums matter, too. If we find gum disease, we can treat it first with scaling and root planing or other periodontal care, and our board-certified periodontist is available when a case calls for it. For patients considering an implant-supported bridge who need more bone support, we offer bone grafting and sinus lift surgery. If a bridge isn't the best fit, we'll talk through alternatives we provide, such as single dental implants or partial dentures.
What happens during the bridge process?
A traditional bridge usually takes a couple of visits. First, we numb the area and shape the supporting teeth so crowns can fit over them. We then take impressions and place a temporary bridge to protect those teeth while your permanent one is made. Because our office has an on-site dental lab, we can coordinate the fit, shade, and shape closely with the people crafting your restoration.
At the next visit, we check the final bridge for comfort, bite, and appearance, make adjustments, and cement it in place. Implant-supported bridges involve more steps: our team places the implants, allows time for healing, and then attaches the bridge. If dental visits make you anxious, we offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation, and we have a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on staff.
How do I care for my bridge, and how can I pay for it?
You care for a bridge much like your natural teeth, with one extra step: cleaning underneath the pontic. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and use a floss threader or interdental brush to clear plaque from under the bridge and around the supporting teeth or implants. Regular cleanings and exams let us check the bridge, the gums, and the anchors before small issues grow.
If you play contact sports or grind your teeth at night, ask us about sports or night mouth guards to help protect your restoration. And if a bridge ever feels loose or gets damaged, call us; we offer emergency dental appointments.
On cost, we accept all major PPO insurance plans and welcome self-pay patients. Financing is also available, so West Hills families can spread out the cost of treatment. During your consultation, we'll review your treatment plan and help you understand your options before you decide. When you're ready to close that gap, our team is here to help.