Restorative · Since 1987
Dental Bridges in Wilmington, NC
A bridge fills a gap by anchoring a replacement tooth to the teeth on either side. It is fixed in place, so nothing comes out at night.
About bridges
Bridges are the established answer to a single missing tooth when the neighboring teeth already need crowns anyway. If those teeth are untouched and healthy, an implant is usually the more conservative choice, and we will tell you that.
Left alone, a gap lets the opposing tooth drift down and the adjacent teeth tip inward. That changes the bite, and bite changes are harder to fix than the original gap.
How it works
- AssessmentWe check the support teeth, the bone, and whether an implant would serve you better.
- PreparationThe anchor teeth are shaped and we take a digital scan.
- Temporary bridgeYou leave with the gap filled while the lab works.
- Fit and cementWe verify the bite and the fit under the pontic, then cement.
Recovery and aftercare
Cleaning under the bridge is the whole game. A floss threader or water flosser daily keeps the tissue healthy and the anchor teeth decay-free. We will show you the technique and check it at every hygiene visit.
Cost and coverage
A three-unit bridge is priced as three crowns, and most plans cover it at the same percentage they cover a single crown. We produce a written estimate against your benefits before treatment and go through payment options if the balance is significant.
You may be a candidate if
- One or two missing teeth in a row
- Healthy teeth on both sides of the gap
- Teeth beside the gap that already have large fillings or crowns
- A preference for fixed rather than removable
- Bone loss that rules out an implant without grafting
Dental Bridges by town
We see patients from across New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender and Onslow counties.
In their own words
Hear from Dr. Barry Frazelle
Dr. Frazelle on why the injection is nothing to dread, and a cheap whitening habit he gives patients.
Questions we get asked
How long does a bridge last?
Ten to fifteen years commonly. Longevity depends on how well the anchor teeth are cleaned.
Bridge or implant?
An implant does not involve the neighboring teeth, which is its main advantage. A bridge is faster and does not need bone volume. We look at your specific gap and give you a recommendation.
Will food get stuck under it?
A well-fitted bridge should not trap food, though the space underneath needs daily cleaning by design.
Can a bridge replace more than one tooth?
Yes, within limits. The longer the span, the more force on the anchor teeth, and at some point an implant-supported solution becomes the sounder option.
Does it feel different from a natural tooth?
Most patients stop noticing within a week or two. Speech adapts quickly.
Dental Bridges
Honest dentistry, since 1987.
We will tell you what needs doing now, what can wait, and what we would leave alone.
- Over 50,000 patients treated since 1987
- Comprehensive new patient exam including oral cancer screening
- Three doctors and a long-tenured team
- Most major dental plans accepted
Been told you need a lot of work somewhere else? Second opinions are welcome and we give them straight.
Request an appointment
We reply the next business day.
Please do not include Protected Health Information. For anything urgent, call (910) 762-0958.
