Dental Bridges In Warrensburg And Oak Grove, MO

The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth

If dental injury or decay has left gaps in your smile, eating, speaking, and socializing may be difficult or even embarrassing. If this is the case, you’re not alone — over 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. When missing teeth go untreated, you may become more susceptible to tooth loss-related health issues such as bone loss, tooth decay, gum recession, misalignment, and infection. Failing to replace even a single missing tooth can lead to serious oral health issues in the future.  

While we strongly recommend dental implants as a permanent tooth loss solution, not everyone qualifies for or is in a good position to undergo implant placement. Fortunately, at Ridgeview Family Dental, our talented dentists can instead replace your missing teeth with a dental bridge. Thanks to our convenient locations in Warrensburg and Oak Grove, MO our expert dentists can help Missouri patients throughout Grain Valley, Odessa, Bates City, and the surrounding areas restore their smiles and confidence.

What Is A Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a singular restoration made up of two porcelain dental crowns that hold false teeth called pontics between them. The crowns are anchored in place by the healthy teeth on each side of the gap left by the missing teeth, and hold the pontics in place to “bridge the gap” left by the missing teeth. Restoring your smile with a dental bridge offers numerous benefits, including:

  • Less invasive installation procedure
  • Faster recovery time
  • Replacing a single tooth or multiple adjacent teeth
  • Preventing the adjacent teeth from sliding into the gap (dental drift)
  • Restoring bite force and ability
  • Preventing wear and tear from excess pressure on remaining teeth
  • No falling out when you eat, speak, and smile
  • Not requiring removal to be cleaned
  • Maintaining the shape of your face
  • Completing your smile with a natural-looking prosthetic

The Dental Bridge Procedure

Bridge Procedure

Your Consultation

Before you can receive a dental bridge, you’ll undergo an initial consultation with one of our Missouri dentists. During your consultation, we’ll provide you with a thorough oral exam, review your medical history, and discuss your smile goals to determine if you’re a good candidate for dental bridges. We’ll be sure to let you know about all of your available treatment options before any procedures take place. 

Once we determine whether a bridge is the best solution for your tooth replacement, we’ll schedule your next appointment. Dental bridge placement will take place over two short visits, and you can expect your smile to be fully restored within one month.

Preparation

When you return for the first part of the bridge installation process, we’ll perform a thorough cleaning of your mouth before administering a local anesthetic. Once we‘re sure your anesthetic is working, our dentist will prepare the anchor teeth by removing a portion of their enamel to form a base that will support the crowns. 

Design And Fabrication

Our dentists will then take impressions of your teeth that will serve as the blueprints for your crowns, pontics, and the temporary bridge we’ll create for you in our office. These blueprints will be sent to a special dental lab, where your permanent bridge will be fabricated. Your bridge will be designed to blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile. 

Installing Your Dental Bridge

You’ll return for your second and final appointment to have your permanent dental bridge installed once it’s done being fabricated, a process that usually takes about two weeks. Your dentist will color match and test the fit of the dental bridge with your natural teeth. The bridge is adjusted as needed to make sure your bite feels natural. 

In some cases, your dentist may place your bridge with temporary cement so that you can get a feel for it for a couple of days. Either way, once you and your dentist are satisfied with the fit, your bridge is permanently cemented onto the anchor teeth and your smile will be fully restored.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bridges are designed to last anywhere from five to fifteen years. However, your bridge can last upwards of 30 years if you consistently practice proper oral hygiene before the procedure and continue to do so afterward. Proper oral hygiene includes attending regular dental exams at one of Ridgeview Family Dental’s locations at least every six months.

Maintaining optimal dental hygiene is the most effective way to protect your new dental bridge. However, not only should you practice oral hygiene at home and visit Ridgeview Family Dental at least twice a year for exams, but you should also: 

  • Thoroughly clean around your bridge when your brush and floss
  • Maintain a balanced diet with proper nutrition that’s low on sugar
  • Exercise regularly to improve immune function
  • Stay hydrated
  • Avoid eating or chewing on sticky, crunchy, and hard foods

Receiving a dental bridge is a virtually painless experience. Your Missouri dentist will administer a local anesthetic and make sure it’s working properly before the procedure so you won’t feel any pain.

Restore Your Teeth at Ridgeview Family Dental

We would love to discuss your options to replace missing teeth! Call our office at (660) 747-9117 to schedule an appointment or fill out our convenient contact form at the bottom of this page. We have Missouri offices conveniently located in Warrensburg and Oak Grove and serve nearby cities including Valley, Odessa, and Bates City, MO.

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511 North Ridgeview Drive
Warrensburg, MO 64093

  • Mon-Fri: 8:00am – 5:00pm *
  • * Alternating schedule on Monday and Friday

 

2016 South Broadway
Oak Grove, MO 64075

  • Tues&Thur: 8:30am – 5pm