Raleigh Dental Bridges

A Solution for Missing Teeth

For patients with missing teeth caused by an accident, injury, or oral disease, there are several options available to repair your smile. Missing teeth can not only impact self-confidence, but they also affect bite and speech patterns, make chewing difficult, and can increase the risk of gum disease or tooth decay. Dental crowns and bridges are two options available at Russo Dentistry in Raleigh to replace missing teeth.

What is a porcelain bridge?

A porcelain dental bridge (sometimes referred to as a fixed partial denture or dental cap) is an option to replace a missing tooth. A dental bridge is a false porcelain tooth (pontic) set between two porcelain retainer crowns, which “bridges” the gap caused by missing teeth.

Bridges were the standard of care years ago before dental implants became mainstream for all missing teeth. Fixed dental bridges are primarily used in cases where they serve as an advantage for an enhanced cosmetic look, and also in areas where the bone is severely limited for the replacement of a tooth with a dental implant. Dental bridges can also be advantageous for areas where you are trying to strictly control the height of the false tooth (pontic). Implants may not always be placed in the ideal location due to the availability of bone.

Porcelain bridge with Dr. Russo

Raleigh dentist Dr. Justin Russo uses porcelain bridges as a permanent tooth replacement method for those who do not want or qualify for a dental implant due to lack of bone or in cases where a significant amount of surgery would be required to replace a missing tooth.

If a dental bridge is recommended to replace a missing tooth, our Raleigh dentist Dr. Russo will carefully fit you for a temporary bridge while the permanent bridge is constructed. While you are waiting for your permanent bridge, you will need to be careful with the food you eat. Once your permanent bridge is in place, you can eat your favorite foods with no issues.

Advantages of Dental Bridges:

• Bridges the gap between missing teeth
• Bridges are a non-surgical way to replace a missing tooth
• Bridges can be completed in a much shorter time span than it takes implants to heal.
• Bridges help prevent teeth around a missing tooth from tipping into the space requiring braces (orthodontics) to fix
• Prevents bacteria from forming in the open gum, which can lead to gum disease and tooth decay
• Improves the appearance of your smile
• May improve your speech pattern

Our Raleigh dental specialist Dr. Russo has advanced training in cosmetic dentistry and can fit you with a new, or replace an old porcelain bridge in as little as two visits!