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Missing teeth can affect your confidence, your ability to chew comfortably, and your overall oral health. At North Pointe Dental Center, we provide custom dental bridges to patients throughout North Fort Myers and Lee County, helping restore complete, functional smiles.
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to your natural teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap. The bridge literally “bridges” the space left by missing teeth, restoring your smile’s appearance and function.
A traditional dental bridge consists of three main components: the pontic (the replacement tooth or teeth) and two dental crowns that attach to the neighboring teeth, called abutments. Once cemented in place, a dental bridge looks, feels, and functions like your natural teeth.
The most common type, a traditional bridge uses crowns on the teeth adjacent to the gap to support the replacement tooth. This option works well when you have healthy natural teeth on both sides of the missing tooth.
This bridge anchors to a natural tooth on only one side of the gap. It may be recommended when teeth are present on just one side of the missing tooth.
Instead of relying on natural teeth for support, this bridge attaches to dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone. It's an excellent solution for patients missing three or more consecutive teeth.
Getting a dental bridge at our North Fort Myers office typically requires one to two visits.
During your first appointment, we prepare the abutment teeth by removing a small amount of enamel to make room for the crowns. We then take detailed impressions of your teeth, which our dental lab uses to create your custom bridge. You’ll wear a temporary bridge to protect your prepared teeth while your permanent restoration is being crafted.
At your second visit, we remove the temporary bridge and check the fit and color of your new permanent bridge. Once we confirm everything looks and feels right, we cement the bridge securely in place. We may schedule a follow-up appointment to check your bite and make any final adjustments. Your new bridge is generally made on site in our lab and ready in a few days.
A dental bridge fills the gap left by missing teeth, giving you a complete, natural-looking smile you can feel confident about.
Missing teeth can make eating certain foods difficult and affect your speech. A bridge restores proper function so you can eat and speak comfortably.
Tooth loss can cause your facial muscles to sag over time. Replacing missing teeth helps preserve your natural facial shape.
When a tooth is missing, surrounding teeth can drift out of position. A dental bridge keeps your remaining teeth properly aligned.
With proper care, dental bridges can last 10 to 15 years or longer, making them a durable tooth replacement option.
North Pointe Dental Center proudly serves patients from North Fort Myers, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, and nearby Southwest Florida communities. Our skilled team uses quality materials and precise techniques to create dental bridges that look natural and function beautifully for years to come.
“They fit me in quickly for a sore tooth and had me comfortable fast. Clear explanations and zero pressure.”
“Great with our whole family. The staff is patient with kids and respectful of our schedules.”
Dental bridges typically last 10 to 15 years, and many last even longer with proper care. Maintaining good oral hygiene, attending regular dental checkups, and avoiding habits like chewing ice or hard candy will help maximize your bridge's lifespan.
No. We use local anesthesia during the tooth preparation process to keep you comfortable. You may experience some mild sensitivity or discomfort after the procedure, but this usually subsides within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage any temporary discomfort.
Brush your dental bridge twice daily just like your natural teeth. Flossing requires a bit of extra attention since you'll need to clean under the pontic. We recommend using a floss threader, interdental brush, or water flosser to remove plaque and food particles from beneath the bridge. Our North Fort Myers dental team will demonstrate proper cleaning techniques during your appointment.
Yes. Once your bridge is fully placed and you've adjusted to it, you can eat most foods normally. We recommend avoiding very hard or sticky foods that could damage the bridge. Start with softer foods immediately after placement and gradually return to your regular diet.
A dental bridge uses adjacent teeth for support and sits on top of the gums, while a dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed in the jawbone that acts as an artificial tooth root. Implants don't require altering neighboring teeth and help preserve jawbone density. Both are excellent options, and our dentists at North Pointe Dental Center can help you determine which solution best fits your needs.
The cost of a dental bridge depends on several factors, including the type of bridge, the number of teeth being replaced, and the materials used. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of bridge treatment. Our team will provide a detailed estimate and discuss financing options during your consultation.
Most patients with one or more missing teeth are candidates for dental bridges. You'll need healthy teeth or implants on either side of the gap to support the bridge. If your adjacent teeth have decay or gum disease, we may recommend treatment before placing your bridge. During your consultation at our North Fort Myers office, we'll evaluate your oral health and recommend the best tooth replacement option for you.
Leaving a gap in your smile can lead to several problems over time. Adjacent teeth may shift into the empty space, causing alignment issues and bite problems. The jawbone beneath the missing tooth can begin to deteriorate. You may also experience difficulty chewing and changes in your facial appearance. A dental bridge helps prevent these complications.
Ready to restore your complete smile? Contact North Pointe Dental Center today to schedule a consultation at our North Fort Myers office. Our team will evaluate your needs and help you find the right tooth replacement solution.
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