Crowns And Bridges Mean A Full Smile Again

kansas city crowns and bridges

When you suffer from minor tooth loss, such as one to three missing teeth in a row, we could restore your smile with the placement of a dental prosthetic. Crowns and bridges provide a secure and lifelike solution to your missing teeth. In today’s blog, your Kansas City, MO, dentist talks about treating tooth loss.

The Impact of Tooth Loss

Even minor tooth loss, such as a single missing tooth, could benefit from treatment. Otherwise, dental misalignment could develop as the teeth shift due to the gap, and poor alignment not only alters esthetics of your smile, but increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. These shifts could also impact bite balance and cause TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding). Trouble eating or speaking, or simply embarrassment due to the gap, could hinder your quality of life too. Fortunately, crowns and bridges offer a solution for cases of one to three missing teeth.

Creating Your Prosthetic

Each one we create for our patients will be custom-made. To get started, we will examine your smile and then administer a local numbing agent. We next remove structure from the teeth on either side of the gap, known as abutment teeth. We then take detailed digital images, which we use to create a 3D computer impression. In a lab setting, we design and craft the prosthetic with precision. The materials we use include ceramic, which we can shade to blend with your smile and also provide a durable chewing surface. The finished product will contain new teeth, known as pontics, with dental crowns attached to each end.

Securing Your Crowns and Bridges

When your bridge is ready, the crown portions will be attached to the abutment teeth on either side of the gap. This secures the pontics firmly in place. You will now have a complete smile and a lifelike appearance. The prosthetic will last about 10 to 15 years on average, and will need to be replaced as the jaw ridge gradually changes shape. To keep the bridge secure and protect your other natural teeth, you need to continue to brush and floss daily and also see us for checkups and cleanings. Be sure you clean the space between the top of the gums and the bottom of the prosthetic too.

If you have any questions about our lifelike dental prosthetics, then contact our team today.

Talk To Your Kansas City, MO Dentist Today

Our team wants to help you maintain a full and healthy smile for years to come! If you want to learn more about how we replace missing teeth, or if you want to schedule a visit, then contact your Kansas City, MO, dentist, Dr. Murphy, by calling (816) 531-8000.