Dental Bridges in Wilmington, NC

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is one of the most time-tested and reliable ways to replace one or more missing teeth. True to its name, a bridge literally spans the gap left by a missing tooth using one or more artificial teeth anchored securely to the natural teeth on either side of the space. The result is a restoration that functions and looks like your natural teeth, filling the gap both structurally and cosmetically.

At Mast Dental in Wilmington, NC, Dr. Mast approaches bridgework with the precision and attention to detail it demands. A well-crafted bridge is as much an art as it is a science. Getting the fit, the bite, and the aesthetics right takes clinical skill and a careful eye. Dr. Mast's advanced training in fixed prosthodontics makes him exceptionally well-suited to deliver bridge restorations that are built to last and look completely natural.

Schedule a Bridge Consultation Today

Why a Missing Tooth Can't Be Ignored

It's tempting to leave a gap, especially if the missing tooth isn't visible when you smile. But the consequences of an unreplaced tooth compound over time:

Teeth Shift

Without a neighboring tooth to brace against, surrounding teeth gradually drift into the gap. This throws off your bite alignment and can create crowding problems that are difficult and expensive to correct.

Bone Loss

The jawbone beneath a missing tooth loses stimulation and begins to resorb — shrinking in volume over time. This can affect the shape of your face and the stability of neighboring teeth.

Difficulty Chewing

A gap in your bite forces you to compensate, placing uneven stress on remaining teeth and your jaw joint — leading to excessive wear, cracking, and potential TMJ issues.

Impact on Appearance

Even a single missing tooth changes how your smile looks — and how your face is supported. Replacing it preserves both the aesthetics and the structural integrity of your smile.

A dental bridge addresses all of these concerns by filling the gap quickly, reliably, and without surgery.

The Dental Bridge Process at Mast Dental

Getting a dental bridge typically requires two appointments. Here's what to expect at each stage:

Preparation and Impressions

Between Appointments

Fitting and Placement

01

Preparation and Impressions

Dr. Mast will begin with a thorough examination and X-rays to assess the health of the teeth that will support the bridge, called abutment teeth. These teeth are carefully reshaped to accommodate the crowns that anchor the bridge. Precise impressions of your teeth are then taken and sent to a dental lab, where your custom bridge is fabricated. A temporary bridge is placed to protect the prepared teeth and maintain appearance and function while your permanent restoration is being made.

02

Between Appointments

Your custom bridge is crafted in a dental lab to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth. This typically takes one to two weeks.

03

Fitting and Placement

When your permanent bridge is ready, the temporary bridge is removed, and the custom restoration is carefully fitted. Dr. Mast will check the fit, the bite, and the appearance in detail, making any necessary adjustments before permanently cementing the bridge into place. You'll leave with a fully restored smile that feels comfortable and looks completely natural.

How to Care for Your Dental Bridge

A dental bridge can last ten to fifteen years or longer with proper care. Here's how to protect your investment:

Brush twice daily as you normally would, paying careful attention to the gumline around the bridge
Use a floss threader or water flosser to clean beneath the artificial tooth, this area cannot be flossed conventionally, but must be kept clean to prevent decay and gum disease in the supporting teeth
Avoid chewing very hard foods like ice or hard candy that could crack the bridgework
Attend regular checkups at Mast Dental so Dr. Mast can monitor the fit and condition of your bridge over time

Dental Bridges Near You in Wilmington, NC

Mast Dental is located at 818-A Pine Grove Drive in Wilmington, NC, serving patients throughout Wilmington, Ogden, Porters Neck, Masonboro, Monkey Junction, and surrounding communities. Early morning appointments are available starting at 7:30 AM Monday through Friday.

If you have a missing tooth and want to explore your options, call (910) 397-9277 or request an appointment online. Dr. Mast will evaluate your situation and help you decide whether a bridge is the right choice for your smile.

Request an Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration supported by the natural teeth on either side of the gap. It does not require surgery and is completed in two appointments. A dental implant replaces the tooth root with a titanium post surgically placed in the jawbone, onto which a crown is attached. Implants do not involve the adjacent teeth and help preserve jawbone volume. Both are effective options — the best choice depends on your bone health, the condition of adjacent teeth, timeline, and budget. Dr. Mast will help you weigh the options during your consultation.

Standard floss cannot be passed between the artificial tooth and the gum. A floss threader, super floss, or water flosser allows you to clean beneath the bridge effectively. This step is important — bacteria and food debris that accumulate under the bridge can cause decay in the abutment teeth or gum disease if not addressed. We'll show you exactly how to care for your bridge at your fitting appointment.