Dr. James Furgurson and Dr. Nathan White offer several replacement options if you’re missing teeth. Because they offer more treatment options, we guarantee to find a solution that fits your oral health needs, aesthetic goals and budget. Thanks to advances in modern dentistry, replacement teeth are nearly indistinguishable from natural teeth. Dr. Furgurson and Dr. White will often recommend a dental bridge in Durham, NC, for patients missing one to four teeth.
Bridges are an effective and affordable solution. They’re one of the restorative dental services we provide to the public. Chapel Hill Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is currently welcoming new patients from Durham, NC, who suffer from missing teeth. After an examination, our dentists can help you decide if a dental bridge is the right solution for you.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A bridge is a custom dental restoration that will “bridge” the gaps in a smile. Dental bridges can be used to replace one tooth or several consecutive missing teeth. The bridgework is a series of prosthetic teeth with at least two dental crowns on both ends with a replacement tooth (the pontic) in between them. The two teeth on both sides of the gap will act as anchors to support the bridge. This type of dental restoration can either be removable or fixed.
Implant-supported Dental Bridge
Another option for our patients who are missing multiple consecutive teeth is to replace them with an implant-supported dental bridge. With this type of dental restoration, our dentist will surgically place two or more dental implants in the jawbone. He’ll place them on both sides of the gap. Then he’ll secure the dental crowns on both ends of the bridgework to the dental implants instead of the anchor teeth.
Benefits of an Implant-Supported Bridge
Implant-supported dental bridges are better for your oral health. They have a 35% higher success rate compared to traditional bridgework. Dental implants promote bone growth. This will prevent bone loss and gum recession both of which often occur with traditional bridges. Implant restorations also have fewer food restrictions so you can eat a variety of healthy foods.
An implant-supported bridge doesn’t require healthy teeth to be prepared and reduced. This will ensure that the anchor teeth won’t endure the pressure of holding the bridge in place.
The Dental Bridge Procedure in Durham, NC
The dental bridge process will include several steps and appointments, beginning with your initial examination to determine if a bridge is the correct treatment for you. Your next appointment will involve preparing the two anchor teeth. Dr. Furgurson or Dr. White will begin by reducing them to accommodate the crowns.
We’ll take impressions which a dental lab will use to make your custom bridge. You may get a temporary bridge to wear in the intermediate time period. At the next appointment, our dentist will bond the two crowns to the prepared teeth.
If you choose to get dental implants, we’ll create a treatment plan for placing them along with the fabrication and placement of the bridge. This will involve a surgical implantation of the implant posts and the placement of a temporary bridge. After a 3 to 6 month healing period, you will return to our Durham area dentist office for the permanent placement of your custom dental bridge.
Dental Bridge FAQs
Learn more about dental bridge treatment in Durham, NC, with answers to these common patient questions:
Am I a candidate for an implant bridge?
You might be a good candidate for an implant bridge if you have:
- Healthy gums
- Sufficient bone density in the jaw
- Multiple consecutive missing teeth
We’ll ensure you are a good candidate for implant treatment. If you have active gum disease or tooth decay, we’ll treat these problems first. We also won’t recommend implants for young patients because their jaws are still developing. Our office will review your medical history and take detailed X-rays to determine if treatment is right for you.
What are the types of dental bridges?
The four main types of dental bridges include:
- Traditional Dental Bridge: A traditional bridge is the most common type. It uses two crowns placed on the healthy teeth next to the gap. These crowns hold an artificial tooth (or teeth) in place. This type of bridge works well if you have strong natural teeth on both sides of the missing tooth.
- Cantilever Bridge: A cantilever bridge is similar to a traditional bridge but only uses one supporting tooth instead of two. This is a good option if you only have one natural tooth next to the gap. However, it may not be as strong as a traditional bridge.
- Maryland Bridge: A Maryland bridge does not use crowns. Instead, it has a metal or porcelain framework that is bonded to the back of the teeth next to the missing tooth. This option is more conservative because it does not require reshaping the natural teeth, but it may not be as durable as other types.
- Implant-Supported Bridge: This bridge is held in place by dental implants instead of natural teeth. It lasts because the implants act like artificial tooth roots. We’ll recommend this bridge if you are missing multiple teeth in a row.
How long does it take to get a dental bridge?
The time it takes to get a bridge depends on the type of bridge. While you can get a traditional bridge in several weeks, it can take months to get an implant bridge. Pretreatment and healing times can also impact the length of your treatment.
It can take time to get an implant bridge, but many patients find their new teeth last longer. We’ll give you an estimate of your treatment time beforehand.
How long do dental bridges last?
Dental bridges are a common solution for replacing missing teeth. On average, they can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years. Good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and avoiding hard foods can help increase their lifespan. Follow our dentist’s advice to keep your dental bridge in good shape for as long as possible.
Can I get implants if I have a bridge?
Yes, you can still get dental implants even if you have a bridge. We’ll check your gums and jawbone to see if they are healthy enough for implants. Sometimes we can remove and replace an old bridge with implants.
Can you remove a bridge like a denture?
No, you can’t remove a dental bridge the same way you can remove a denture. A dental bridge is a permanent dental restoration that is cemented or bonded in place to replace missing teeth. It stays firmly attached to the natural teeth or dental implants. Only a dentist can remove a bridge safely with special tools.
Who is a good candidate for a bridge?
A good candidate for a dental bridge is someone who is missing one or more teeth but still has healthy teeth. You might be a good candidate for a dental bridge if you:
- Have one or more missing teeth in a row
- Practice good oral hygiene and are willing to care for your teeth and gums
- Have healthy gums without signs of severe gum disease
- Want to restore your smile and improve your ability to chew and speak properly
Will dental insurance cover the cost of a bridge?
Most dental insurance plans do provide some coverage for dental bridges, but the amount can vary. Typically, insurance will cover a portion of the costs, which means you might still have to pay some out of your own pocket.
Check with your dental insurance provider to see how much they will cover for a bridge and what your specific plan includes. Our office can also help you understand your benefits.
Request a Consultation
Do you have multiple lost teeth in a row? Get a dental bridge in Durham, NC. Call Chapel Hill Family and Cosmetic Dentistry today at 919.736.6175. You can also schedule an appointment with Dr. Furgurson online.