Restorative care
Dental Bridges in Huntersville, NC
Fill the gap from one or more missing teeth with a fixed bridge, and compare it with an implant or partial first.
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth with false teeth that "bridge" the gap. A fixed bridge is attached to the teeth on either side for support and can only be removed by a dentist. At Kreeb Family Dentistry in Huntersville, NC, we compare a bridge with an implant and a partial denture at your exam, so you can choose with the facts in front of you.
At a glance
- Who it suitsAdults missing one or a few teeth, with healthy teeth on both sides of the gap
- Typical visitsUsually two for a lab-made bridge (preparation, then placement), as with a lab-made crown
- ComfortLocal anesthetic while the support teeth are shaped; ask about comfort options
- RecoverySome sensitivity to hot and cold for a short time can happen
- How long it lastsAbout 89.1 percent of bridges were still in place after 10 years in a large review
- What drives costNumber of teeth replaced, material, any build-ups or root canals on the support teeth
- InsuranceCoverage varies by plan; call us for insurance details
Is a dental bridge right for you?
A bridge may suit you if you are missing one or a few teeth in a row and the teeth on either side of the gap are healthy and strong. The bridge depends on those teeth, so keeping your remaining teeth healthy is very important.
A bridge may not be the best fit if:
The support teeth are weak
have large decay or have lost a lot of bone from gum disease. These are treated first, or another option may be better.
The gap is long
with many teeth missing. A partial denture or implants may suit better.
The teeth next to the gap are healthy and untouched
and you would rather not have them shaped for crowns. An implant stands on its own.
Missing teeth can make a difference in how you chew and speak, which is one reason people choose to fill the gap.
How does a bridge compare with an implant or a partial denture?
A bridge and a partial replace only the visible tooth, while an implant also replaces the root. The right choice depends on your teeth, gums, bone, health and budget.
| Option | Fixed bridge | Dental implant | Partial denture |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | False teeth held by crowns on the teeth either side of the gap | A post in the jawbone that holds a crown, bridge or denture | A removable plate with false teeth, held by a frame or clasps on your natural teeth |
| Removable | No, only by a dentist | No, for a single implant crown | Yes, you take it out to clean it |
| Effect on nearby teeth | Support teeth are shaped for crowns | Does not rely on the teeth next to it | Clasps rest on the teeth that hold it |
| Surgery needed | No | Yes | No |
| Typical visits | Usually two, as with a lab-made crown | Several, over a few months | Several, plus adjustments |
| How long it typically lasts | About 89.1 percent still in place after 10 years | About 93.2 to 96.4 percent still in place after 10 years | Checked every year; often should be remade when loose, after 5 to 10 years of use |
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
Learn more on our dental implants and dentures and partial dentures pages. Implants can also support a bridge.
What happens when you get a bridge?
A bridge is made from crowns on the support teeth joined to the false tooth or teeth in between. Crowns are one way to attach a bridge. The general steps for a lab-made bridge are:
Exam and plan
We check the gap, the support teeth and your gums, and take X-rays.
Preparing the support teeth
The area is numbed, any decay or old filling is removed, and the teeth are reshaped so the crowns fit over them.
Impression or scan
An impression or a digital scan records the teeth so the bridge can be made.
Temporary bridge
A temporary covers the shaped teeth while the final bridge is made.
Placement
At the next visit, the temporary comes off and the final bridge is checked for fit and bite, then cemented in place.
Bridges can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain or a mix of these. Your dentist explains which material suits the spot in your mouth.
Does getting a bridge hurt?
The support teeth are numbed with local anesthetic before they are shaped, so you should feel pressure rather than pain. Tell us if anything feels sharp. Ask about comfort options if you feel nervous about dental visits.
Afterward, the teeth under the crowns can be sensitive to hot and cold for a while. Call us if the sensitivity is strong or does not ease.
How do you care for a bridge?
Care for a bridge the same way you care for your natural teeth, with extra attention to the support teeth, because the bridge depends on them.
Brush twice a day
and clean under the false tooth every day. A floss threader or small brush helps reach the space under it.
With a temporary
avoid sticky foods and slide floss out to the side rather than lifting it up.
With porcelain
avoid chewing hard candy and ice.
Keep your checkups
so we can look at the support teeth and the gums around them. See dental exams and cleanings.
What are the risks of a bridge, and the alternatives?
Bridges have a good track record, but no one can guarantee a result. In a large review of studies with a mean follow-up of at least 5 years, the 10-year risk of the bridge coming loose was 6.4 percent, and the 10-year risk of losing the bridge to decay or gum disease (periodontitis) was 2.6 percent. Other things that can happen:
Sensitivity
in the support teeth. If the nerve is affected, a tooth may need a root canal.
Chipping
of porcelain. A night guard may help if you grind your teeth.
Shaping healthy teeth
The support teeth are reshaped for crowns, which cannot be undone.
Your alternatives are a dental implant, a partial denture, or doing nothing. If you leave a gap, missing teeth can change how you chew and speak. Ask your dentist what this means for your mouth.
How much does a dental bridge cost in Huntersville?
The cost of a bridge depends on your treatment plan, and your dentist explains it after the exam. The main cost drivers are:
How many teeth
the bridge replaces, and how many support teeth it needs.
Material
such as porcelain, metal or a mix.
Work on the support teeth
such as a build-up or a root canal before the crowns.
X-rays and other care
needed first, such as gum treatment.
Insurance coverage for bridges varies from plan to plan. Call us for insurance details, and ask about payment options on our insurance and payment page or by phone.
Why patients choose Kreeb Family Dentistry for bridges
Three family dentists, one office
Our dentists look at the bridge alongside your other teeth, gums and bite.
Options compared side by side
Bridges, same-day crowns, dentures and implant care are all part of our care.
Implant training on the team
Dr. Bryan Kreeb completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency and trained with the Garg Implant Continuum, so you can ask about both options at one visit.
Early hours
We open at 7:00 AM, Monday to Friday.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Still wondering about something? Call us and our team will help.
How long does a dental bridge last?
In a large review, about 89.1 percent of bridges were still in place after 10 years. How long yours lasts depends on the health of the support teeth, your gums, grinding and how well you clean under the bridge. Regular checkups help us catch problems early.
Is a bridge or an implant better for one missing tooth?
Neither is right for everyone. A bridge needs no surgery but uses the teeth next to the gap as supports. An implant does not rely on nearby teeth but needs surgery, healthy bone and a few months. Your exam shows which suits your mouth, health and budget.
Can a bridge be removed?
A fixed bridge is cemented in place and can only be removed by a dentist. If you want something you can take out, a partial denture is the removable option.
How do I clean under a bridge?
Brush twice a day and clean under the false tooth every day with a floss threader or a small brush. The bridge depends on the teeth that hold it, so keeping those teeth and gums healthy matters.
Will my teeth be sensitive after a bridge?
The support teeth can be sensitive to hot and cold for a while after they are shaped. Call us if it is strong or does not settle. In some cases a tooth needs a root canal.
Does insurance cover dental bridges?
Some dental plans cover part of the cost of a bridge, and coverage varies. Call us for insurance details before you start, and ask about payment options when you call.
Book your bridge consultation in Huntersville
If you are missing a tooth, start with an exam. Your dentist will compare a bridge, an implant and a partial denture for your mouth and explain what drives the cost.