Dental implants are an excellent choice for replacing missing teeth. They look and feel very much like your natural teeth and can last a lifetime with proper care.
A dental implant is a metal “root” (A) that sits in your jaw bone. It is topped with a connector (B) and then with one or more artificial teeth (C). Dental implants can help preserve facial structure and reduce the need for dentures. Click the Dental Seo Companies to know more.
Tooth decay is a progressive disease caused by the action of bacteria on sugars in your mouth. These bacteria live in plaque and convert dietary sugars into acids that attack the tooth enamel. Over time this acid can cause the enamel to break down, exposing dentin and eventually the nerve. At this point a root canal is necessary to save the tooth.
The biting surfaces and the spaces between teeth are most susceptible to tooth decay, but any surface can be affected. The first sign of decay is a chalky area on the tooth’s surface (smooth surface caries). This can progress to a hole in the tooth known as a cavity. A hole in the tooth allows food to enter and bacteria to grow, leading to infection of the pulp tissue. Infected pulp tissue may also swell, creating an abscess in the root of the tooth.
Tooth decay is often painless, which can make it difficult to detect. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are the best way to catch cavities early, when they are small and confined to the enamel. During a dental exam, the dentist can feel the texture of your teeth and take dental X-rays to see the extent of any tooth decay.
Crowns
Crowns are a type of cap that dentists put on a damaged tooth to restore its size, shape, strength, and appearance. They can also protect the tooth from further damage and help to anchor a dental bridge or implant. Crowns are typically covered by dental insurance plans, but the cost can vary based on materials, procedure, and the dentist you choose. It is best to get a full treatment from an in-network provider to minimize costs.
Getting a crown often involves more than one appointment, since the tooth has to be prepared before it can receive the cap. The dentist will remove the affected area and take a mold to make sure the crown fits perfectly. In some cases, a temporary crown is used to protect the tooth while waiting for the permanent one to be ready.
Metal crowns are a popular choice, as they can withstand biting and chewing forces well. However, the metallic color can be an issue for many people. A newer option is a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown, which has a hard metal core that is capped with a porcelain coat. This is an ideal choice if you want a durable crown that looks natural, though it is not as strong as a metal crown.
Bridges
Dental bridges replace missing teeth and help restore chewing and speaking functions. They also prevent the neighboring teeth from shifting into the gap and distribute chewing forces more evenly, helping to prevent gum disease. In general, they have a lower upfront cost and are more likely to be covered by insurance than dental implants.
Traditional fixed bridges use two crowns on adjacent healthy teeth (abutment teeth) to support a false tooth in between. These abutment teeth must be strong enough to withstand the stress of supporting a false tooth. If they’re not, the bridge can break or fall out.
A newer type of bridge uses wings to bind the replacement tooth to the backs of the abutment teeth. These are called Maryland bridges and are usually used to replace front teeth. They require less tooth preparation than traditional bridges, and are therefore more “gentle” to the abutment teeth.
While it is rare, a bridge may cause sensitivity in the anchor teeth. This can be a sign of leakage or an incorrect fit. If you experience sensitivity, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Also, see your dentist or dental practitioner for regular cleanings and bi-annual checkups.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are high-tech replacements for missing teeth that look, feel and function just like natural teeth. They also can help preserve your natural bone and facial structure.
The implant is a titanium “root” that is surgically placed into the jawbone to support a crown or denture. A metal spacer called an abutment is screwed onto the implant, which leads into a dental crown that’s fashioned to match your other teeth.
Dental implant failure is rare, especially in patients who follow their dentist’s or oral surgeon’s instructions for home care and schedule regular visits. However, implant-supported restorations do not last as long as natural teeth and may require periodic maintenance, including cleaning, to keep them in good shape.
Infection is a risk for all dental procedures, but it’s particularly serious with implants. If you suspect infection of your implant, contact us for a full evaluation and treatment plan. To reduce your risk of infection, avoid smoking and other habits that compromise the health of your gums and teeth. You should also make sure to brush and floss daily and get regular cleanings, as well as treatment if you grind your teeth. You should also report any adverse events with your medical provider right away.
Dentures
Dentures are artificial teeth and gums that are made by your dentists to replace missing teeth. They can be full or partial and they can be made from acrylic or porcelain. They are designed to look natural and they can help improve your chewing and speaking abilities. They also help preserve the shape of your face and jawline.
When you have a gap in your teeth, the adjacent teeth can shift towards it to fill the space, leading to misalignment and problems with the bite and appearance of your teeth. This can lead to pain and discomfort in your jaw joints, called temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome. It can also lead to bone loss in the area of the missing tooth, which makes it harder for you to get the nutrition you need from your food.
Your dentist will take measurements of your jaws and make models during a preliminary visit. This allows you to gauge whether your dentures are a good fit and can minimize any discomfort. You can choose between a conventional full denture and an immediate denture, which is ready to use as soon as the remaining teeth are removed and the gum tissue has healed, which may take several months.