Dental Bridges in Winston-Salem

What is a dental bridge? 

A dental bridge is a type of dental treatment that permanently replaces a missing tooth or teeth. 

How could you benefit from dental bridges?

• If you have one or more missing teeth: You could benefit from a dental bridge if you have one or more missing teeth with a natural tooth or implant on each side.
• If you desire a permanent replacement of the tooth: Dental bridges are permanent, meaning that they cannot be taken out like a partial denture. 

What makes dental bridges an excellent treatment option for me?

They're an excellent treatment option for missing teeth. Dental bridges have been in use for over 50 years, and are an excellent replacement option for missing teeth.

Bridges permanently replaced teeth. Dental bridges provide a “fixed” replacement for missing teeth. They stay in place during speaking, eating, and brushing.

They are very esthetic. Dental bridges look and feel like natural teeth.

We only use high-quality, strong materials. Dental bridges are made with Zirconia, which is a high-quality, cosmetic material fabricated by master technicians right here in Winston-Salem.

We can customize your bridge to your smile. The size, shape, and color of dental bridges are customized for your specific situation so you have a natural look and feel.

Dental implants

Dental implants are another great alternative to replace missing teeth Dr. Nelson will discuss which option he would recommend for your specific situation. They will help you decide the best treatment for your mouth and smile.

What are some advantages of dental bridges over implants?

Dental bridges are a faster treatment option: Dental bridges can be completed more quickly than implants in most cases. 

Some patients are not ideal candidates for dental implants. In situations where dental implants are contraindicated, a dental bridge is a better option. These patients include:

• Younger patients (less than 21 years old) who are still growing
• Patients who have had radiation or chemotherapy for oral cancer
• Patients who have taken high-dose of bone drugs (bisphosphonates)

Dental Bridges at Our Office

We have experienced dentists who provide comfortable and esthetic care. Dr. Nelson is an expert in restorative dentistry and dental bridges. They have many years of experience in creating bridges in all teeth in the mouth. 

They only use the best materials from a local Winston-Salem dental lab. While bridges can be made by labs anywhere in the world, Dr. Nelson works with a local lab right here in the Winston-Salem area.  Using a local lab ensures Dr. Nelson will have an experienced technician who they know, and guarantees that the lab will use the strongest and most esthetic materials.

What is a dental bridge made of?

There are many dental bridge materials available. Dr. Nelson will choose the best option and strongest material for your mouth.

• Beautiful tooth-colored materials (most popular): Zirconia is the most popular material that will match the natural shade of your tooth perfectly. 
• Gold (upon patient request): Gold can also be a treatment option for the back teeth if the patient requests it. 

What is the process of getting a dental bridge?

You can have your dental bridge in two simple visits. After you have decided on dental bridge treatment after consultation with Dr. Nelson, the process usually takes two appointments. 

First visit: Readying the mouth for a dental bridge. During the first appointment, the teeth on either side are prepared to accept the bridge. The areas will be numbed so you are very comfortable during the procedure and a mold will be made of the area. A temporary bridge will then be fabricated and fitted to your mouth so that you can smile and chew with confidence while your bridge is being made at a dental lab. A skilled dental technician will then fabricate a dental bridge based on photos, shades, models, and instructions from our office. 

Second visit: Permanently place the dental bridge in your mouth. You will return for a quick and easy appointment where the temporary bridge will be removed and the final permanent dental bridge will be cemented. You will have an opportunity to view the final bridge in your mouth before it is cemented. 

The fee for a dental bridge varies depending on how many teeth are being replaced.  A bridge that replaces one missing tooth is $4161, where as a bridge that replaces two adjacent missing teeth is $5548.  We will always work with your dental insurance to make sure you receive your maximum benefit.  Interest-free payment plans are also available. 

• Dental bridge to replace one missing tooth: $4161
• Dental bridge to replace two missing teeth: $5548

How can I afford a dental bridge?

We accept and file all dental insurance policies. Our office provides excellent care at an affordable price. We accept and file all dental insurance policies and will fight on your behalf so that you receive the maximum benefit.

Financial plans are available. We offer financing plans that allow you to fit your needs into your budget.

Discounts for patients without dental insurance (cash pay). We also offer discounts to patients without dental insurance or for those who prefer to pay in cash. 

*Fees are quoted from our office's fee schedule and are subject to change.  Changes in fees are typically nominal (less than a 3% adjustment).

Brush the bridge as usual. Dental bridges need to be flossed, just like any natural tooth structure. You can brush your bridge as you would any of your teeth, with an electric or manual toothbrush. 

Floss with a special brand of floss. Flossing will be slightly different with your bridge, as the floss needs to be threaded underneath the bridge. Our office will show you how to floss the bridge area and will provide you with samples of the special floss (Super-Floss or Floss Threaders) that is needed. 

What if I am nervous about getting a dental bridge?

We have the most effective, pain-free, and up-to-date numbing techniques

 During any treatment, Dr. Nelson prides himself on using state-of-the-art techniques to deliver painless numbing. We utilize the latest and most effective techniques for anesthesia. In fact, most patients say that going to the dentist was never easier!

Calming nitrous oxide (laughing gas)

For patients with anxiety, nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” will help eliminate nervousness and promote a more calm, tranquil state of mind. 

Stress-free sedation dentistry 

Dr. Nelson is one of the only general dentists in the Winston-Salem and Piedmont Triad area who is trained and licensed in all forms of sedation dentistry. Patients are always given the option to choose dental sedation during their procedures to guarantee a stress-free experience. In fact, most patients say that going to the dentist was never easier and that they have no memory of the procedure at all!