Dental Bridges in South Lake Tahoe

A missing tooth affects more than your smile — it can shift your bite, make chewing harder, and even change the shape of your face over time. Sierra Tahoe Dental offers custom dental bridges designed to fill that gap with a natural-looking, long-lasting restoration.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. It consists of a prosthetic tooth, called a pontic, held in place by crowns on the adjacent teeth or by dental implants. Once placed, a bridge functions and looks like your natural teeth, restoring your ability to chew and speak comfortably.

Signs You May Need a Dental Bridge

A bridge may be a good option if you're experiencing:

• One or more missing teeth in the same area of your mouth
• Difficulty chewing or speaking clearly
• Nearby teeth beginning to shift or drift into the open space
• A desire for a fixed, non-removable replacement rather than a partial denture

The right type of bridge depends on the location of the gap and the condition of your surrounding teeth:

• Traditional bridge — supported by crowns on healthy natural teeth on either side of the gap
• Implant-supported bridge — anchored by dental implants rather than natural teeth, offering added strength and stability
• Cantilever bridge — supported by a single adjacent tooth, used when only one side of the gap has a suitable tooth
• Maryland bonded bridge — a minimally invasive option bonded to the back of adjacent teeth, often used for front teeth

The Dental Bridge Process at Our South Lake Tahoe Office

Dr. Rutner and our team guide you through each step to ensure a comfortable, precise fit:

1. A comprehensive exam, including dental X-rays, to evaluate your bite and surrounding teeth
2. Careful preparation of the supporting teeth, if a traditional bridge is recommended
3. Precise dental impressions used to craft your custom bridge
4. Placement of a temporary bridge while your permanent restoration is made
5. Final bonding and adjustments to ensure comfort and a natural bite

Bridges vs. Other Restoration Options

A bridge isn't always the only solution for a missing tooth. In some cases, a dental crown paired with an implant may be a better long-term fit, particularly for preserving jawbone health. We'll walk you through the pros and cons of each option so you can make the choice that's right for your smile and budget.

Caring for Your Dental Bridge

With good care, a dental bridge can last many years. We recommend:

• Brushing twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush
• Flossing underneath the bridge using a floss threader or water flosser
• Keeping up with routine dental cleanings and checkups
• Avoiding hard foods like ice or hard candy that can damage the bridge

As a family-run practice serving both local residents and visitors, we take a conservative, personalized approach to restorative care. Our flexible scheduling makes it easy to fit bridge consultations and follow-up visits around your routine, whether you're here year-round or just for the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do dental bridges last?

With proper care, a dental bridge can last 10 to 15 years or longer, depending on the materials used and how well it's maintained.

Is a bridge better than a dental implant?

Both are effective solutions. Bridges typically require less initial treatment time, while implants offer superior long-term stability and help preserve jawbone health. We'll help you decide which fits your needs best.

Does a bridge feel like a real tooth?

Yes. Most patients adjust quickly, and a well-fitted bridge feels natural when chewing and speaking.

Are dental bridges covered by insurance?

Many dental insurance plans offer partial coverage for bridges. We also offer financing and membership options for patients without insurance.

Don't let a missing tooth hold back your smile. Contact Sierra Tahoe Dental today at (530) 544-3426 or visit our contact page to schedule your consultation.