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Dental Bridges

Dental Bridges in Sunset Hills, MO

Fill the Gap Left by a Missing Tooth

A missing tooth can change more than your smile. It can affect how you chew, how your teeth fit together, and how confident you feel when speaking or smiling. A dental bridge may be recommended when one or more missing teeth need to be replaced with a stable, natural-looking restoration.

At Sunset Tower Family Dentistry, Dr. Vince Riggio helps patients in Sunset Hills explore dental bridges and other restorative options with clear guidance and thoughtful treatment planning. If you are missing a tooth or have been told a tooth may need to be removed, our team can help you understand what comes next.

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What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a restoration used to replace a missing tooth or teeth. It is designed to fill the open space and help restore the appearance and function of your smile.

Bridges are often supported by teeth on either side of the space. These supporting teeth help hold the replacement tooth in place so you can chew and smile with more confidence.

The right tooth replacement option depends on your oral health, the location of the missing tooth, your bite, and the condition of the surrounding teeth. During your visit, Dr. Riggio will explain whether a bridge makes sense for your situation.

Why Replacing a Missing Tooth Matters

When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth may begin to shift into the open space over time. This can affect your bite, make chewing less comfortable, and create areas that are harder to clean.

Replacing a missing tooth can help support:

More comfortable chewing
A more complete-looking smile
Better support for nearby teeth
Improved bite stability
Easier speech and function
Long-term restorative planning

Even if the missing tooth is not highly visible, it is still worth discussing your replacement options. Dr. Riggio can help you understand how the space may affect your smile over time.

When a Dental Bridge May Be Recommended

A dental bridge may be recommended when a patient is missing one or more teeth and wants a fixed replacement option. Bridges may also be discussed after an extraction if the missing tooth needs to be replaced once the area is ready.

Dr. Riggio may talk with you about a dental bridge if:

You are missing a tooth
You have a gap that affects chewing or speaking
Nearby teeth are shifting
You want a fixed replacement option
A tooth may need to be removed and replaced
You are comparing bridges with other restorative options

Every situation is different, so a consultation is the best way to understand whether a bridge is the right fit.

What to Expect When Planning a Bridge

Bridge treatment starts with an evaluation of your teeth, gums, bite, and the area where the tooth is missing. Dr. Riggio will also look at the teeth near the space to determine whether they can support a bridge.

If a bridge is recommended, our team will explain the process, the expected timeline, and any other care that may be needed first. Some patients need gum care, treatment for nearby teeth, or additional restorative planning before moving forward.

Our goal is to make sure you understand the full plan before treatment begins, including how the bridge will function, how it will fit your smile, and how to care for it long term.

Bridges, Implants, and Dentures

A dental bridge is one way to replace missing teeth, but it is not the only option. Depending on your needs, Dr. Riggio may also discuss dental implants, dentures, or another restorative approach.

A bridge may be a good fit for some patients because it is fixed in place and can restore a missing tooth without a removable appliance. Other patients may be better served by a different option based on their oral health, goals, or the number of teeth being replaced.

Dr. Riggio’s advanced training in dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, and complex restorative care helps him look at tooth replacement with the full smile in mind.

Caring for a Dental Bridge

A dental bridge needs daily care, just like natural teeth. Brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits help protect the supporting teeth, gums, and surrounding areas.

Our team will show you how to clean around your bridge and what to watch for at home. If your bridge ever feels loose, uncomfortable, sensitive, or different when you bite, contact the office so it can be evaluated.

With good care and regular monitoring, a bridge can be an important part of restoring comfort, function, and confidence.

No Insurance? Ask About the Sunset Advantage Plan

For patients without dental insurance, Sunset Tower Family Dentistry offers the Sunset Advantage Plan, an in-house membership option designed to support preventive care and provide savings on additional treatment.

If you are considering a dental bridge, our team can answer questions and help you understand your next step.

Dental Bridges in Sunset Hills

Sunset Tower Family Dentistry provides dental bridges and restorative dentistry for patients in Sunset Hills, South County, and nearby St. Louis communities. If you are missing a tooth or want to explore tooth replacement options, our team is here to help you make an informed decision.

Frequently Asked questions

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. It fills the open space and helps restore the appearance and function of your smile.

Why should I replace a missing tooth?

A missing tooth can affect chewing, speech, bite balance, and the position of nearby teeth. Replacing the tooth can help support comfort, function, and long-term restorative planning.

When might a dental bridge be recommended?

A bridge may be recommended when you are missing one or more teeth and want a fixed replacement option. It may also be discussed after an extraction if the missing tooth needs to be replaced.

How is a bridge different from an implant or denture?

A bridge often uses nearby teeth for support, while a dental implant uses an implant-supported restoration. Dentures are removable and may be discussed when several or all teeth need replacement. Dr. Riggio can help compare the options based on your oral health and goals.

Patient Stories

What our patients are saying

    
 
 
      Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Friendly, caring, no pain. Love them all!!
  
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   Cathy Sansom 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Not a 5 due to being taken late for my appointment. Otherwise the staff is wonderful, especially the dental hygienist who worked on me (she has white hair) she is one of the best I have ever had there.
  
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   Laura Sanders 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I walked in not in the best mood from a text.  Who would think you can walk into the dentist in a bad mood and come out refreshed.  The hygienist (Terri) was very experienced, explained everything, had a positive attitude, did a good job, and I walked out with a set of clean teeth and happy.  Her advice was better than most dentists.
  
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   Stephen Winkelhoch 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very friendly and professional staff. Have been a patient for over 30years. Excellent care.
  
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   jan ritter 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic people! Very professional!
  
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   Barry Guiot 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Love all you guys!! Been over 25 years!
  
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   Jeff Terrell 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have gone to this practice for many years.  They are respectful, kind, professional and are there when you need them.
  
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   Mary Jane Pieber 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been a patient of Sunset Tower Family Dentistry  for many years and have received exceptional care from the staff. They are always friendly, always efficient, always professional.
  
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   Rob Mihalevich 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everyone at Sunset Tower Family Dental are fantastic, caring, professional and make you feel you are the most important patient.
  
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   Joe Gleason