Dental Bridges
Dr. Gregory Zabek creates natural-looking, well-fitting bridges to cover gaps left by one or more missing teeth. Bridges can be used to replace missing teeth when dental implants are not an option.
Dr. Gregory Zabek has crafted and placed thousands of dental bridges. He is is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, an award which is only granted to dentists who have completed more than 500 hours of continuing education covering 16 separate fields of dentistry, including dental reconstruction, crowns and bridges.
With more than 35 years of experience in tooth reconstruction, Dr. Zabek will make sure that if you need a bridge, it fits perfectly, is extremely durable, gives you a comfortable bite, and is color-matched to look and feel like your natural tooth.
To schedule your consultation with Dr. Zabek, please call us at (415) 362.1102 or request an appointment online.
What is a Bridge?
A bridge is a device used to fill the space where a tooth has fallen out or been removed. A typical bridge consists of a pontic (a filler tooth) that is attached to two surrounding abutments (crowns). Once complete, this bridge structure is bonded into the abutment teeth and stays in permanently. It is not removable.
When missing teeth are not replaced right away, the face collapses and you get that sunken in look. Not replacing missing teeth also causes the surrounding teeth, including opposing teeth, to shift undesirably. This can lead to occlusion (bite) problems, jaw problems, gum problems and problems of facial asymmetry. The best time to replace a missing tooth is immediately after it is removed.
Why a Bridge?
There are many reasons to correct gaps left in your mouth by missing teeth:
A poor bite may make your jaw sore. - Your teeth may become harder to clean, leading to tooth decay and gum disease.
- These gaps can cause chewing problems.
- If even one tooth is missing, other teeth may slowly shift out of place. This changes the way your teeth fit together.
- Shifting teeth may change your smile.
Is a Bridge the best option?
In many cases, Dr. Zabek may recommend that a dental implant is a better option. A dental implant will function like a tooth root and keep the supporting bone in place. Without the root, the bone shrinks and moves.
A bridge requires the two teeth on either side to be reshaped or cut down, and if these teeth don't presently have any cavities or crowns, an implant may be a preferred to cutting down otherwise healthy teeth.
Come in for a Complimentary Consultation with Dr. Zabek
Dr. Zabek can determine if a crown is what you need.
When you come in for a consultation, you will get a comprehensive exam, and Dr. Zabek will review your treatment options with you. He will help you decide on the best course of treatment.
To schedule your consultation with Dr. Zabek, please call us at (415) 362.1102 or request an appointment online.
Patient Testimonials
"Over the years, I've had excellent dental care from Dr. Zabek – fillings, crowns, and bridges. All my dental restorations are artistically right; they match the color and shape of my existing teeth.
I like that Dr. Zabek tries to make all of the dental procedures painfree. I feel at home with Dr. Zabek. The staff are all friendly and professional." – Bruce H.
"Dr. Gregory Zabek has a great chairside manner, is very gentle, and has not hurt me once, through three crowns and numerous old filling replacements. Some of his jokes are corny, but that's the way I like them! Even though I live in Berkeley, I come into the city for his ministrations, his intellect and his good humor. Great guy, I recommend him very highly!!" – Ben M.
Read more Patient Testimonials from San Francisco Dentist Greg Zabek.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Zabek, please call us at (415) 362.1102 or request an appointment online.