Services
Bridges
Our custom bridges fill gaps from missing teeth, crafted in our on-site dental lab to restore your smile and bite.
Why choose us
Benefits of Bridges
Fill the Gap
We replace one or more missing teeth with a natural-looking fixed restoration.
Chew and Speak Comfortably
Restoring your bite helps make everyday eating and talking feel easier.
Keep Teeth in Place
Filling the space helps keep neighboring teeth from drifting out of position.
Crafted With Care
Our on-site dental lab supports us as we create bridges designed to fit your smile.
Flexible Payment Options
We accept major PPO plans and self-pay patients, and we offer financing.
A gap left by a missing tooth affects more than your smile. Neighboring teeth can gradually drift or tilt into the open space, the tooth above or below may shift, and chewing on that side can start to feel awkward. A dental bridge fills that gap with a natural-looking replacement tooth anchored to the teeth or implants beside it. At 805 Dentistry in Thousand Oaks, Dr. Dar Radfar and our team use bridges as one of several tooth replacement options. We match the approach to your mouth, your health, and your goals.
A traditional bridge has three parts working together. The replacement tooth, called a pontic, sits in the gap. On either side, crowns fit over the neighboring teeth, which serve as anchors. Because the pieces are joined into one unit and cemented in place, the bridge stays put. You don't take it out at night the way you would a partial denture.
Not every gap has healthy teeth beside it, and some patients would rather not reshape their natural teeth to support a crown. For those situations, we also offer implant-supported bridges, where dental implants act as the anchors instead. Since implants, crowns, and bridges are all part of our everyday restorative work, we can walk you through each path side by side rather than steering you toward a single answer.
Bridges help a wide range of people. Some have lost a tooth to decay or injury. Others had a tooth extracted years ago and never replaced it. Some are already planning a broader restoration. The common thread is a gap that affects how you chew, speak, or feel about your smile.
Situations where a bridge often comes up in conversation include:
- One missing tooth with healthy, stable teeth on both sides
- Several missing teeth in a row that can be spanned by a longer restoration
- Neighboring teeth that already have large fillings and could benefit from crowns anyway
- Patients who want a fixed option instead of a removable partial denture
- Gaps where implants are a good fit to serve as anchors
Am I a good candidate for a dental bridge?
You may be a good candidate if the teeth or bone around the gap are healthy enough to support the restoration. We confirm that with an exam and imaging. Our office offers 2D and 3D dental imaging, including CBCT, which helps us see the bone and roots beneath the surface before we recommend anything.
Gum health matters too. If we find signs of gum disease, we treat it first so your bridge rests on a stable foundation. We provide scaling and root planing and periodontal care in-house for that reason. If you're anxious about dental work, tell us. We offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation, so nervousness doesn't have to keep you from replacing a missing tooth.
How do I care for my bridge, and what results can I expect?
Caring for a bridge comes down to daily cleaning and regular checkups. You'll brush twice a day as usual. You'll also need to clean underneath the pontic, where food and plaque can collect between the replacement tooth and your gums. We'll show you how to do this with floss threaders or other tools that make it simple.
Keeping up with routine cleanings and exams lets us check the anchor teeth, the gums around them, and the bridge itself. If you grind your teeth at night, a night guard can help protect your restoration. That's something we make as well. A well-maintained bridge restores the look of a complete smile and makes chewing on that side feel normal again. How long it lasts depends on your oral health and habits, so consistent care is the best investment you can make.
How can I pay for a dental bridge?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and our team can help you understand how your coverage applies to a bridge before treatment begins. Many plans treat bridges as a restorative service, though benefits vary from plan to plan.
If you don't have insurance, we welcome self-pay patients, and financing is available to spread the cost into manageable payments. We'll review your options openly during your consultation so there are no surprises.
How do I get started?
Getting started is as easy as scheduling an exam with our team. As a family practice that cares for children and adults, we see patients from Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Camarillo, Agoura Hills, Oak Park, Calabasas, and nearby communities.
During your visit, Dr. Radfar will look at the gap, talk through whether a traditional or implant-supported bridge makes sense, and answer every question you bring. If you've been living with a missing tooth, we'd love to help you close that gap comfortably and confidently. Call 805 Dentistry today to book your appointment.
The process
What to expect
- 1
Consultation and Planning
We examine your teeth and gums and talk through whether a traditional or implant-supported bridge suits you.
- 2
Preparing Your Bridge
We prepare the supporting teeth or implants and take the details needed to create your custom bridge.
- 3
Placement and Aftercare
We fit and adjust your bridge for comfort, then keep it healthy with regular cleanings and exams.