When one or two teeth are missing, the teeth around the gap slowly lean into the space and the tooth above or below can drift out of place. Over time, your bite changes and chewing becomes less comfortable.
A dental bridge fills that space with natural looking replacement teeth that stay in place. Our Napa office plans bridges with the same restorative and prosthodontic focus we bring to crowns and implants, so the new teeth fit your bite as well as your smile.
How a Dental Bridge Works
A bridge is a single restoration made of connected parts. Replacement teeth fill the gap, and they are held in place by supports on each side. Depending on your mouth, the supports can be:
- Crowned natural teeth: the teeth next to the gap are shaped and covered with dental crowns that anchor the bridge.
- Dental implants: implants placed in the jaw hold the bridge without relying on neighboring teeth.
Bridges are fixed, so you do not take them out at night. They are cleaned with brushing and special floss that reaches under the replacement teeth.
Dr. Kevin Cabugao
Because of my commitment to excellence some have labeled me as somewhat of a perfectionist… Although true to a certain extent, I disagree. Without the fear of being wrong, I sincerely care about everything I do and try my best to do it well.”
Born in Hawaii and raised in Vallejo, Kevin Cabugao received his BS in Genetics at the University of California at Davis and worked in biotechnology before refocusing his energies towards graduate school. While Kevin found his work in the pharmaceutical industry rewarding, he felt unsatisfied with his career and sought an education that would best complement his enthusiasm for helping others with his understanding of the sciences. With this intention, he received his MBA from California State University East Bay and DDS from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry. Currently, he is an active member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association as a part of the Board of Component Relations and has served as the former President of the Napa/Solano Dental Society.
When away from the office, Kevin enjoys listening to music, snowboarding and honing his martial arts as a 4th degree Kajukenbo black belt with over 30 years of experience!
Dr. Paul Belusko
Born and raised in Oregon, Dr. Paul Belusko earned his degree in Biochemistry from Portland State where it was while working in Biotechnology that he realized his calling to serve others was best expressed as a compassionate care provider within dentistry. Soon after, Dr. Belusko attended dental school at Columbia University and graduated with high honors.
During this time, he had the privilege of volunteering as a student dentist serving throughout the rural parts of Jamaica and joined a hospital residency at Mount Sinai School of Medicine that partnered with the nearby Veterans Administration (VA) Hospital in the Bronx. As a resident he worked on complex dental cases and added advanced dental implant techniques to his clinical practice. With a surgical skill set greater than most general dentists, Dr. Paul has also earned his fellowship with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.
After residency, Dr. Belusko returned to the West Coast to serve our veterans at the Washington State VA for several years. Soon after, he travelled south with his wife back to her home state of California, settling down in Napa to be closer to her family and to enjoy the natural beauty of our region as an avid skier, hiker and cyclist. With his wife, keeping his family and community first, Dr. Paul has two children and enjoys mentoring to the local youth as a Napa County 4-H leader in archery and at 4-H camp.
Is a Bridge Right for You?
A tooth supported bridge can be a good choice when the teeth beside the gap already have large fillings or crowns, since shaping them adds protection they may need anyway. It is also often faster to complete than an implant, because no healing period for the bone is required.
If the neighboring teeth are healthy and untouched, an implant may preserve more natural tooth. Healthy gums and supporting teeth are important for any bridge, so we check both before recommending one.
The Bridge Process at Our Napa Office
Your first visit includes an exam and digital images of the gap and the supporting teeth. We explain your options, including bridges, implants, and dentures, with a written estimate for each.
For a tooth supported bridge, we numb the area, shape the supporting teeth, and take precise records of your bite. A temporary bridge protects the teeth while your custom bridge is made. At the final visit, we check the fit, color, and bite, then bond the bridge in place and show you how to clean under it.
Bridges Compared With Other Options
Dental implants in Napa replace each missing tooth on its own and help preserve the jawbone, but they take longer and usually cost more. Partial dentures are removable and the most affordable option, though they can feel less secure.
A bridge sits between the two. It is fixed and natural looking, and it is often the fastest way to restore a gap. Our dentists explain the trade-offs honestly so you can choose what fits your health and budget.
Cost of Dental Bridges and Payment Options
The cost of a bridge depends on how many teeth it replaces, the materials used, and whether the supports are natural teeth or implants. Many PPO plans cover part of a bridge because it restores function, and our team can submit claims for any portion your plan allows.
You receive a written estimate before treatment begins. Dental financing can break the cost into monthly payments.
Visit Our Napa Office
Our Napa office is located at 3220 Beard Road, Suite B, Napa, CA 94558. We welcome new patients and would be glad to see you.
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 8:00 am to 2:00 pm |
| Tuesday to Thursday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday and Sunday | Closed |
Phone: +1 (707) 252-1950
Dental Bridge Questions
How long does a dental bridge last?
Many bridges last for years with good care. Cleaning under the bridge every day and keeping regular checkups protect the supporting teeth.
Is getting a bridge painful?
The area is numbed while we prepare the supporting teeth, so most patients feel only pressure. Mild sensitivity for a few days is normal.
How do I clean under a bridge?
We show you how to use a floss threader or special floss to clean under the replacement teeth. A water flosser can also help.
Can a bridge be supported by implants?
Yes. Implant supported bridges can replace several teeth in a row without using the neighboring natural teeth for support.
Should I choose a bridge or an implant?
It depends on the health of the nearby teeth, your bone, your timeline, and your budget. We review both options with you at your consultation.
Restore Your Smile With a Bridge at Encore Dentist in Napa
A dental bridge can close a gap, steady your bite, and give you a smile you are comfortable showing. At our Napa office, Dr. Kevin Cabugao and Dr. Paul Belusko design each bridge around how your teeth meet, so it looks natural and holds up to daily chewing. We provide clear estimates, PPO claim help, and financing options, and we welcome Spanish speaking patients. Schedule a visit at our Napa office to compare your tooth replacement options.
