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A gap left by a missing tooth is more than a cosmetic concern. Over time, neighboring teeth can shift into the empty space, your bite can change, and the bone beneath the gum can begin to deteriorate, all of which may lead to more complex and costly dental problems down the road. A dental bridge offers a reliable, time-tested way to fill that gap, restore your bite, and keep your smile functioning the way it should.
At Travis J. Calhoun, DDS, we have spent over 30 years helping patients in Asheville and across western North Carolina restore their smiles through personalized restorative care. Our dental services are built around understanding your whole mouth and finding solutions that serve your long-term health, not just the immediate problem. Whether you have recently lost a tooth or have been living with a gap for years, we are here to walk you through your options and find the approach that fits your life.
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that fills the space where one or more teeth are missing. According to the American Dental Association, a bridge replaces missing teeth with artificial teeth and is attached to the surrounding natural teeth for support. Those surrounding teeth, called abutment teeth, are shaped to receive crowns that anchor the bridge in place. The artificial tooth in the middle, called a pontic, is custom-made to blend with the rest of your smile in both color and shape.
Unlike a removable partial denture, a fixed bridge stays in your mouth permanently and is only removed by a dentist. Most patients find the bridge feels and functions much like their natural teeth, allowing them to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Bridges can be made from porcelain, zirconia, metal alloys, or a combination of porcelain fused to metal. Porcelain and zirconia options are the most popular for visible areas of the mouth because they closely mimic the look of natural enamel. Dr. Calhoun will discuss which material makes the most sense based on the location of the bridge, your bite, and your preferences.
A traditional dental bridge works best when the teeth on either side of the gap are healthy enough to serve as anchors. If those abutment teeth already have large fillings or structural concerns, placing crowns on them as part of a bridge may actually strengthen them while solving the missing tooth problem at the same time. You can read more about what prompts a crown recommendation in our post on dental crowns and when you actually need one.
Gum health is also a key factor. Patients with active gum disease need to have that addressed before moving forward with a bridge, because a strong foundation in the supporting tissues is essential for the restoration to hold up over time. If you have concerns about your gum health, our blog post on getting a dental bridge if you have gum disease covers this topic in detail.
During your first visit, Dr. Calhoun will examine the area, review any necessary X-rays, and discuss your options. If a bridge is the right fit, the abutment teeth are gently reshaped to make room for the crowns that will hold the bridge in place. Impressions are then taken and sent to a dental lab, where your custom bridge is fabricated. A temporary bridge is placed to protect the area while your permanent restoration is being made.
At your second appointment, the temporary bridge is removed, and your permanent bridge is carefully fitted and adjusted for comfort and bite. Once everything feels right, it is cemented into place. Most patients leave the office the same day with a fully restored smile that they can begin using right away.
A bridge is not the only way to address a missing tooth, and Dr. Calhoun will make sure you understand all of your options. For patients missing multiple teeth, dentures may be a better fit, either as a full arch solution or as a partial denture for scattered tooth loss. The right choice depends on how many teeth are missing, where they are in your mouth, and the health of your remaining teeth and gums.
One thing to note about our practice: Dr. Calhoun restores implants but does not perform the surgical placement of implants himself. If an implant-supported restoration is the direction you want to explore, he can coordinate with an oral surgeon and then complete the final restoration once the implant has integrated.
Dr. Calhoun grew up in Asheville, graduated from Asheville High School in 1988, and went on to earn his dental degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has been caring for patients in this community for over 30 years, and he attends approximately 30 hours of continuing education each year to stay current with advances in restorative dentistry. He describes his approach this way: “It is my mission to treat everybody like they were my mom. I want to keep my skills at the absolute highest level so I can deliver the best dental care available. At the same time, we provide a laid-back, friendly atmosphere so that our patients are relaxed and have experiences with us that are as enjoyable as possible.”
Our practice is 100% fee-for-service. We do not participate in insurance networks, but we do file claims on your behalf so you can receive any applicable out-of-network reimbursement. This model allows us to focus on what is clinically best for each patient rather than what any particular insurance plan dictates.
A missing tooth does not have to stay that way. A well-placed dental bridge can restore your bite, protect surrounding teeth from shifting, and give you back a full, confident smile. Meet Dr. Travis Calhoun and learn more about the personal, community-focused care we deliver to every patient who walks through our door.
To schedule your consultation and find out whether a dental bridge is the right choice for your smile, contact us online to request an appointment. We look forward to seeing you.
Questions about payments and financing options? Give us a call at (828) 277-2722.
Dr. Travis Calhoun has been treating patients throughout Asheville and western North Carolina for over 30 years. A born-and-raised Asheville native, he studied at the University of Georgia before completing his dental training at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and has run a fee-for-service family practice here ever since. Patients trust his unhurried, detail-oriented approach to every treatment plan.
"It is my mission to treat everybody like they were my mom. I want to keep my skills at the absolute highest level so I can deliver the best dental care available, in a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere."
