Replace missing teeth with a custom bridge that looks natural, restores full function, and is built to last. Serving the East Bay from our Fremont practice.
Replacing What Is Missing
A missing tooth does more than affect your appearance. Over time, the surrounding teeth shift toward the gap, your bite changes, and the bone beneath the missing tooth begins to resorb. The sooner a missing tooth is addressed, the simpler the solution.
At Bay Area Dental, Dr. Weisman designs custom bridges that restore full chewing function, look completely natural, and are crafted with the same precision he brings to every restorative case. Serving patients from Fremont, Newark, Milpitas, Hayward, Union City, Pleasanton, and Dublin.
The Basics
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It works by anchoring an artificial tooth, called a pontic, to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. Those anchor teeth are fitted with crowns, and the pontic is suspended between them.
Unlike a denture, a bridge is cemented in place permanently. It does not come out, does not shift, and functions like natural teeth from day one.
Your Options
The right type of bridge depends on the location of the missing tooth and the condition of the surrounding teeth. Dr. Weisman will recommend the most appropriate option at your consultation.
The most common type. An artificial tooth is held in place by crowns on the two natural teeth on either side of the gap. Best suited for patients with healthy teeth on both sides of the missing tooth.
Used when there is only one natural tooth available next to the gap. The pontic is anchored to a single crown rather than two. Less common, but appropriate in certain situations particularly toward the front of the mouth.
A more conservative option that uses a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of the adjacent teeth rather than crowns. No significant preparation of neighboring teeth is required. Often used for front teeth replacements.
When multiple consecutive teeth are missing, a bridge can be supported by dental implants rather than natural teeth. This preserves bone and distributes the load more evenly across the jaw without involving neighboring teeth.
Which Is Right for You?
Both restore missing teeth effectively. The right choice depends on your bone health, the condition of neighboring teeth, your timeline, and your goals. Dr. Weisman will walk you through both options at your consultation.
Completed in two appointments with no surgical procedure. A strong choice when neighboring teeth already need crowns, when bone loss makes implants more complex, or when a faster solution is the priority. Lasts 10 to 15 years or longer with proper care.
A titanium post placed in the jawbone that acts as an artificial tooth root. Does not involve the neighboring teeth and helps preserve the bone beneath the missing tooth. Requires a surgical procedure and a longer timeline but is considered the longest-lasting solution available.
Not sure which option is right for your situation? The best next step is a consultation. Dr. Weisman will review your X-rays, assess your bone health, and give you an honest recommendation.
What to Expect
A traditional dental bridge is completed over two appointments. Here is exactly what happens at each one.
Dr. Weisman examines the gap, reviews X-rays, and evaluates the health of the neighboring teeth. He discusses your options and confirms a bridge is the right solution for your situation.
The anchor teeth are reshaped to accept crowns. Impressions or digital scans are taken and sent to the dental lab. A temporary bridge is placed to protect the prepared teeth while the permanent one is being made.
When the permanent bridge arrives from the lab, Dr. Weisman checks the fit, color match, and bite. Minor adjustments are made until everything is exactly right.
The bridge is permanently cemented in place. Dr. Weisman photographs the completed restoration and walks you through how to care for it so it lasts as long as possible.
Common Questions
Questions we hear most often from patients in Fremont, Newark, Hayward, Milpitas, Union City, Pleasanton, Dublin, and across the East Bay.
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. The result looks and functions like natural teeth and does not need to be removed for cleaning or sleeping.
Dental bridges typically last 10 to 15 years or longer with proper care. Longevity depends on your oral hygiene habits, the health of the supporting teeth, and whether you attend regular checkups. Keeping the area under the bridge clean with floss threaders or a water flosser is one of the most important things you can do to extend its life.
Both are effective solutions and the right choice depends on your specific situation. Bridges are faster, require no surgery, and make good sense when neighboring teeth already need crowns or when bone loss would complicate an implant. Implants preserve bone, do not involve adjacent teeth, and tend to last longer. Dr. Weisman will give you an honest recommendation based on your X-rays and individual circumstances.
The procedure is done under local anesthetic so you should not feel pain during treatment. Some soreness after the anchor teeth are prepared is normal and typically resolves within a few days. Most patients are comfortable well before the second appointment to place the permanent bridge.
Brush twice daily as normal. The key difference is cleaning under the pontic where it meets the gum. Floss threaders, interdental brushes, or a water flosser allow you to clean beneath the bridge effectively. Dr. Weisman will show you exactly how to maintain your bridge at your placement appointment.
The cost of a dental bridge varies depending on the number of teeth being replaced, the type of bridge, and the materials used. Every case is different. Dr. Weisman provides a detailed cost estimate at your consultation so you know exactly what to expect before committing to treatment. We also discuss financing options for patients who need them.
Serving dental bridge patients from Fremont, Newark, Union City, Hayward, Milpitas, Pleasanton, Dublin, and Castro Valley. Located at 43195 Mission Blvd #B4, Fremont, CA 94539.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Weisman at our Fremont, CA practice. We will review your options, answer every question, and recommend the solution that is right for your smile and your long-term health.
Book an Appointment Call 510.651.8479
