Bridges
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth with a fixed row of replacement teeth anchored to the teeth on either side of the gap. At Driftwood Dental Studio in Wilmington, NC, Dr. Jenny Turek and Dr. Prasad Vasamsetti design bridges from a digital scan, match them to your natural teeth, and cement them in place, so there is nothing to take out at night. Because both of our dentists also place implants, we will walk you through a bridge and an implant side by side and tell you honestly which fits your mouth.
Missing a tooth? Call (910) 834-8787 or request an appointment online.
How a bridge works
A traditional bridge is a set of crowns joined together. The crowns on each end fit over the natural teeth beside the gap, and the replacement tooth in the middle fills the space. Because the bridge relies on the neighboring teeth, those teeth are reshaped to hold their crowns, which is the main trade-off compared with an implant. For three or four missing teeth in a row, an implant-supported bridge rests on two implants instead of your natural teeth.
This short animation shows how a bridge replaces a missing tooth.
Bridge or implant?
This is the question most patients come in with. A bridge is faster, costs less up front, and can make sense when the teeth beside the gap already need crowns or when an implant is not an option. An implant stands on its own, leaves the neighboring teeth untouched, preserves the jawbone, and is expected to last decades, while a bridge typically needs replacing in seven to ten years. Both of our dentists have completed the Fellowship program of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, so we can offer you either option. See our Dental Implants page.
What to expect
- Consultation. We examine the gap, the neighboring teeth and the bone, take X-rays, and go over your options.
- Preparing the anchor teeth. The teeth beside the gap are numbed and shaped, and we take a digital scan and choose the shade with you.
- Your new bridge. We check the fit and bite and cement the bridge in place.
Cost and insurance
The cost of a bridge depends on how many teeth it replaces and the material, and your consultation gives you an exact quote. An implant-supported bridge (three to four teeth on two implants) runs $8,000 to $15,000, including the implants. Many dental plans cover part of the cost of a bridge. We are in-network with more than 30 dental plans, including Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Humana and Guardian. We verify your benefits and give you a written estimate before treatment, and we offer CareCredit and Sunbit financing. See our Financial Information page.
Caring for a bridge
The replacement tooth sits on the gum, so food can collect underneath it. Clean under the bridge every day with a floss threader or a water flosser, and brush the anchor teeth carefully at the gumline, since decay there is the most common reason a bridge fails. Regular cleanings help your bridge last.
Frequently asked questions about dental bridges
How long does a bridge last?
Typically seven to ten years. It is usually decay or gum problems on the anchor teeth that end a bridge's life, which daily cleaning underneath helps prevent.
Is a bridge better than an implant?
It depends. A bridge is faster and costs less now; an implant protects the neighboring teeth and the bone and lasts longer. We place both and will recommend what fits your mouth, health and budget.
Does getting a bridge hurt?
No. The anchor teeth are numbed while we prepare them. Some sensitivity for a week or two afterward is normal.
Can a bridge be removed?
A traditional bridge is cemented permanently and only a dentist can remove it. If you would rather have something you can take out, a partial denture is the removable alternative.
Visit us
Driftwood Dental Studio is at 5225 Sigmon Rd, Suite 130, Wilmington, NC 28403, just off Market Street near Mayfaire. We are open Monday through Wednesday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Thursday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM; and Friday, 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Call (910) 834-8787 or request an appointment online.
