A bridge is a fixed way to fill the gap left by a missing tooth. It uses the healthy teeth on either side of the gap for support, so your new tooth stays put. Unlike a denture, it does not come out, and once it is in you can eat and smile without thinking about it.
Tell us when suits and we will call you back to arrange it. No obligation.
Treatment Overview
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth with a false tooth that is fixed permanently in place. It is held by the teeth on either side of the gap, which is where the name comes from. Those neighbouring teeth are prepared and crowned, and the new tooth sits between them, bridging the space.
Because it is fixed, a bridge feels and works much like your own teeth. You clean it in place and leave it there, rather than taking it in and out. It is a good option when you have healthy teeth either side of a gap that can take the support.
A gap is worth filling for more than looks. When a tooth is missing, the teeth around it can slowly drift or tilt into the space, and your bite can change. Closing the gap keeps everything where it should be, and gets your chewing back to normal.
A bridge could suit you if you:
Have one or more missing teeth to replace
Want a fixed option rather than a removable denture
Have healthy teeth either side of the gap to support it
Want to stop the neighbouring teeth drifting into the space
Find a gap is making it harder to chew or speak
What you get here:
Longer appointments, so nothing is rushed
A digital scan of your teeth, not a mouthful of putty
The Wand, for almost pain-free injections
A written plan showing your options for the gap
An itemised price before any work starts
Book your appointment
A new patient examination is £92.
We price your bridge after we have assessed the gap and the teeth around it.
We look at the gap and the teeth either side, take digital X-rays, and check they are strong enough to support a bridge. We also talk through your other options for the gap, so you can compare.
02
We prepare the supporting teeth
We numb the area with The Wand, then shape the teeth on each side so the bridge has room to fit over them.
03
A digital impression
We take a digital scan and send it to the dental laboratory that makes your bridge. We fit a temporary to protect the teeth while you wait.
04
We fit your bridge
At your next visit we check the fit and the colour, make sure your bite feels right, and cement the bridge firmly in place.
Longer appointments, so we can talk through your concerns and give you a break if you need one.
Almost pain-free injections
The Wand numbs you without the big needle or the sting. Most patients are surprised how easy it is.
Digital X-rays
We diagnose faster, more accurately and with far less radiation than older film.
A hand to hold
Bring a partner in, or hold a nurse's hand. If you ever need us, we respond the same day.
About Waterside Dental
Your private dental practicein Hythe.
Waterside Dental is a private practice in Hythe, owned and led by principal dentist Dr Nikos Louskos since 2017. It has recently been refurbished to feel more like home than a clinic, and is run by a small, hand-picked team — so you'll always see a familiar face.
Care here is unhurried and patient-led. Appointments are longer so concerns can be talked through properly, treatment is explained in plain language, and nothing is rushed — with breaks during longer procedures whenever you need them.
We welcome private patients from Hythe and across Southampton — whether you're registering as a new patient or visiting for a single course of treatment while staying with your current dentist.
"I firmly believe that dentistry doesn't have to be unpleasant or scary, and that often it can be life-changing."
DR NIKOS LOUSKOS
Our Principal Dentist
Meet Dr NikosLouskos.
DDS · MSc Endodontics · GDC No. 102626
Principal dentist and practice owner, with a special interest in endodontics.
Dr Nikos Louskos qualified in Athens in 2005 and moved to the UK in 2006. He worked as an associate at Waterside before taking ownership of the practice in 2017.
In 2016 he completed a Master's in Endodontic Practice at Queen Mary University of London. He accepts referrals for complex root canal cases, which he treats under a microscope, and enjoys all aspects of general dentistry.
Nobody wants surprises after a dental visit. You'll get an itemised treatment plan with exact costs before anything begins, plus monthly payment options to spread the cost.
Finance is provided by Tabeo and is interest-bearing from 9.9% APR. Practice-plan discounts apply to selected treatments — full terms are listed on the Fees and Plans pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions patientsask us.
A few of the things patients ask us most often. If your question isn't here, just get in touch — we're happy to talk it through.
A bridge replaces a missing tooth by anchoring to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. An implant replaces the tooth on its own, with a titanium post fixed into the jaw, and does not involve the neighbouring teeth. Both are fixed in place. We will talk you through which suits your situation and your budget.
Fixed. Once a bridge is cemented in, it stays there. You clean it in place and leave it, rather than taking it in and out like a denture.
No. We numb the area fully first, using The Wand for a gentle injection with no big needle and no sting. If you are anxious, tell us when you book and we will take it at your pace.
It depends on how many teeth are involved and the materials used, so we give you an itemised price after we have assessed the gap. You will know the full cost in writing before any treatment starts, and you can spread it with our Practice Plan or finance.
A well cared for bridge can last many years. We cannot promise an exact figure, because it depends on the bridge and how it is looked after. Keeping up your check-ups lets us keep an eye on it.
You brush it as normal, and we will show you how to clean underneath the false tooth, where a normal brush cannot reach. Keeping that area clean is the main thing that helps a bridge last. If you are ever unsure, ask us.
Sometimes, depending on where the gaps are and how strong the surrounding teeth are. If a bridge is not the best fit, we will talk you through your other options, such as an implant or a denture.
Yes. Tell us when you book. We use The Wand for almost pain-free injections, we allow longer appointments so nothing is rushed, and you can bring someone in with you or hold a nurse's hand. If you need it, we also offer oral or intravenous sedation.
Whether you'd like to book or just have a question about treatment, send us a message and a member of the team will get back to you — the same day wherever we can.
