Dental Bridges in Los Angeles and Downey, CA
Close the Gap Left by Missing Teeth
One or more missing teeth can affect chewing, speech and the alignment of your bite. A dental bridge fills the open space with replacement teeth supported by neighboring teeth or dental implants.
Dr. Won Jung Jeong and Dr. Debora Jeong provide custom dental bridges at Mission Dental Group in Los Angeles and Downey, CA.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. The replacement tooth or teeth are connected to supporting crowns or implants on either side of the open space.
Unlike a removable partial denture, a fixed bridge remains in place during eating, speaking and cleaning. The appropriate design depends on the location of the missing tooth, condition of the neighboring teeth and available bone.
Types of Dental Bridges
Traditional Dental Bridges
A traditional bridge uses crowns placed over the natural teeth on both sides of the gap. The replacement tooth is connected between the crowns.
This option may be appropriate when the neighboring teeth can support crowns, particularly if they already need restorative treatment.
Implant-Supported Bridges
An implant-supported bridge attaches to dental implants rather than natural teeth. This approach can replace several missing teeth without preparing healthy neighboring teeth for crowns.
Implant placement requires surgery and sufficient bone support. Dr. Won Jung Jeong places and restores dental implants, while Dr. Debora Jeong provides implant restorations.
Benefits of Replacing a Missing Tooth
A properly planned bridge may:
- Restore chewing function
- Fill a visible gap
- Support clearer speech
- Help maintain tooth alignment
- Distribute biting pressure
- Provide a fixed alternative to a removable partial denture
- Replace several missing teeth with fewer implants
A bridge does not prevent all future dental problems. The supporting teeth, implants and gums require daily cleaning and regular professional evaluation.
Experienced Restorative Care
Dr. Won Jung Jeong has practiced dentistry since 1993 and has completed approximately 20,000 restorative cases, including about 2,000 dental bridges and 8,000 crowns. His experience also includes implant placement, implant restoration and full-mouth reconstruction.
Dr. Debora Jeong has practiced since 2023 and has completed approximately 2,000 to 3,000 restorative cases. She provides crowns, bridges and implant restorations.
Both dentists evaluate the health of the supporting teeth, gums and bite before recommending a bridge.
Are You a Candidate for a Dental Bridge?
A bridge may be considered when:
- One or more adjacent teeth are missing
- The supporting teeth and gums are healthy enough for treatment
- The open space affects chewing, speech or appearance
- You want a fixed tooth-replacement option
- An implant-supported bridge is appropriate for your oral health and bone structure
Untreated gum disease, decay or damaged supporting teeth may need to be addressed before the bridge is created.
What to Expect During Treatment
Examination and Planning
Your dentist examines the open space, neighboring teeth, gums and bite. Dental imaging may be used to evaluate the tooth roots and supporting bone.
Preparing the Supporting Teeth
For a traditional bridge, the supporting teeth are shaped for crowns. Any decay or damaged tooth structure is addressed during preparation.
Digital Impressions
An intraoral scanner may be used to capture a detailed digital impression of the prepared teeth and bite. This information is sent to the dental laboratory creating the bridge.
Temporary Bridge
A temporary restoration may protect the prepared teeth while the final bridge is being made. Follow the care instructions provided by our team and avoid foods that could loosen or damage it.
Placing the Final Bridge
Your dentist checks the bridge’s fit, appearance and bite before securing it. Adjustments may be made to improve comfort and chewing function.
Dental Bridge vs. Dental Implant
A traditional bridge uses neighboring teeth for support and generally does not require implant surgery. A dental implant replaces the missing tooth root and supports an individual crown or larger restoration.
The appropriate choice depends on:
- The health of the neighboring teeth
- Available jawbone
- Gum health
- Number and location of missing teeth
- Treatment timeline
- Personal preferences
Dental Bridge vs. Partial Denture
A dental bridge is fixed in place, while a partial denture is removable. A partial denture may replace teeth in multiple areas of the same arch without requiring a fixed restoration at each location.
Your dentist will compare comfort, maintenance, supporting tooth health and replacement needs when discussing these options.
Crowns That Support a Bridge
Traditional bridges rely on crowns placed over the supporting teeth. These crowns help anchor the replacement tooth and distribute biting pressure.
The supporting teeth must be evaluated for decay, cracks, previous root canal treatment and periodontal support before the bridge is planned.
Digital Technology for Bridge Planning
Mission Dental Group uses digital impressions, intraoral scanning, cone beam computed tomography and AI-assisted visualization to support diagnosis, restorative planning and patient education.
Digital impressions provide detailed information about the supporting teeth and bite. Your dentist uses this information to plan a bridge that supports function and complements the surrounding smile.
How to Care for a Dental Bridge
Brush the bridge and supporting teeth twice daily. Clean beneath the replacement tooth every day using floss threaders, interdental brushes or another tool recommended by your dentist.
Regular dental visits allow our team to evaluate:
- The supporting teeth
- The gums around the bridge
- The fit and condition of the restoration
- Your bite
- Areas where plaque may accumulate
Contact our office if the bridge feels loose, breaks or causes persistent discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Request a Dental Bridge Consultation
If a missing tooth is affecting your smile or chewing function, a custom bridge may provide a fixed replacement. Contact Mission Dental Group for an evaluation at our Los Angeles or Downey office.
Los Angeles Office
936 S Alvarado St, Los Angeles, CA 90006
213-380-1996
Downey Office
9434 Firestone Blvd, Downey, CA 90241
562-803-9999
This communication is for general dental information only. The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or dental advice, diagnosis or treatment.