Dental Bridges
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
Missing teeth have certain social implications and may keep you from smiling with confidence. Also, leaving a gap in the smile makes it possible for teeth to shift, having a negative impact on the bite and exposing sensitive roots.
When replacing missing teeth, finding a solution that works best for you is essential. While dental implants are typically considered the gold standard of tooth replacement, they do not work for or appeal to everyone.
- Medical conditions that limit surgical options
- Medications such as bisphosphonates like Actonel, Boniva, or Fosamax, which may prohibit the bone from healing
- Patients who want a non-surgical or more cost-effective option
Dental bridges are a reliable and time-tested way to replace one or two missing teeth without the need for surgical intervention.
How Dental Bridges Work
Dental bridges require that healthy adjacent teeth be prepared for a dental crown. It is the dental crown or crowns, that will hold an artificial tooth in place to close the gap in the smile.
At McKnight Signature Dental, our dentists, Dr. Abbie McKnight and Dr. Megan Konz use the latest technology to ensure comfortable treatment. Air abrasion replaces the traditional dental drill, reducing vibration that many patients find unpleasant. We also use innovative anesthetic delivery methods for painless tooth numbing, making dental procedures far more comfortable and creating less anxiety.
We will prepare the teeth for dental crowns and place a temporary bridge over the teeth to protect them while our dental lab designs a porcelain bridge according to our dentists’ specifications. Your dental bridge will close the gap in your smile and blend in with nearby teeth.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
Because dental bridges are not rooted in the bone, they do require some common sense caution to prevent damage and to avoid having them come off. Avoiding extra hard or sticky foods, and never chewing on hard candy or ice will add years to your dental bridge.
It is also necessary to keep the gums and supporting teeth healthy by flossing around and beneath the bridge. Hygiene tools like floss threaders and small dental brushes make it much easier to keep your dental bridge clean.
Drs. McKnight and Konz are happy to demonstrate the best way to look after your teeth and dentistry at your next dental check-up. When we work together as a team, you can expect to have many years of reliable function from your dentistry.
Are You Ready to Replace Your Missing Teeth?
Our dentists at McKnight Signature Dental will always present all of your options and help you make a choice that works best for your budget and lifestyle. We warmly welcome new patients and work closely with the families in Leawood and Overland Park to have healthy, comfortable smiles.
