ental bridges offer an excellent solution for replacing missing teeth. By utilizing your existing teeth, a bridge is constructed to span the gap caused by the missing tooth. Bridges are carefully crafted from materials like gold, metal alloys, or porcelain to ensure strength and durability.
The process of creating a bridge begins by preparing abutments on the adjacent teeth where the bridge will be anchored. These teeth are reshaped to provide a stable foundation for the bridge. Once the abutments are prepared, an impression is taken of the area and sent to a dental laboratory. Skilled technicians at the lab use the impression to fabricate a custom bridge that fits precisely and mimics the appearance of your natural teeth. The bridge consists of two crowns to be placed on the abutments and a pontic, which is the artificial tooth replacing the missing tooth.
While awaiting the completion of your permanent bridge, we will provide you with a temporary bridge. This temporary restoration protects the abutments and gum area, and it also enhances your smile by filling the gap left by the missing tooth. Once the permanent bridge is ready, you will return for a follow-up visit to have it placed. The dentist will secure the bridge onto the abutments using adhesive, ensuring a secure fit.
Initially, you may need a short adjustment period to get accustomed to the bridge. However, within a few days, it should feel natural, as if you have regained your own teeth. It is advisable to consume soft foods during the initial days following the bridge placement. Once the adjustment phase is over, you can enjoy eating any food without any concerns.
It is crucial to address a missing tooth promptly, not only for cosmetic reasons but also to prevent structural changes in your mouth and jaw. Additionally, missing teeth can affect your ability to eat and speak properly. We encourage you to schedule an appointment today to restore your smile and maintain optimal oral function.
Over time, our teeth can weaken, making them more vulnerable to various issues such as decay, cracks, and discoloration. If you’re dissatisfied with the current state of your smile, crowns offer a solution to help you regain your confidence. When a tooth shows signs of decay, weakness, or cracks, your dentist may recommend a crown to address the problem and prevent further complications. In such cases, a simple filling or bonding procedure may not provide sufficient protection.
Crowns can be crafted from different materials, including porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or full gold. For a natural appearance and texture, porcelain-finished crowns are highly recommended. These crowns can be color-matched to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth, creating a harmonious and authentic smile.
The process of getting a crown typically requires 2-3 visits to the dentist. During the initial visit, the targeted tooth will be carefully reshaped by removing some enamel to create space for the crown. Local anesthesia will be administered to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. After the tooth has been reshaped, an impression will be taken of the prepared tooth and neighboring teeth. This impression will be sent to a dental laboratory where skilled technicians will create a custom crown that fits precisely and complements the surrounding teeth. Before you leave the office, a temporary crown will be placed to protect the reshaped tooth until your permanent crown is ready.
It typically takes about 2-3 weeks for the dental lab to fabricate your permanent crown. Once it’s ready, you’ll return for a second appointment to have the crown placed and fitted. Local anesthesia will be administered to numb the area, and the crown will be securely cemented into place. When you see your reflection in the mirror, you’ll be greeted with your restored smile. Crowns are durable and can last approximately 10-15 years with proper care, including regular brushing and flossing. If you’re interested in learning more about how crowns can help you achieve a beautiful smile, don’t hesitate to contact our office today.
Dentures serve as a removable replacement for missing teeth, allowing you the flexibility to take them out and put them back in at your convenience. The type of dentures recommended depends on your specific case, and it can be either full or partial dentures. Full dentures are used when all natural teeth are extracted, and there are two variations of full dentures.
Conventional Full Dentures: In this case, all teeth are removed, and the gum tissue is given time to heal before placing the dentures. It may take several months for the gum tissue to fully heal, during which time you will be without teeth.
Immediate Full Dentures: Prior to tooth extraction, your dentist takes measurements and prepares dentures specifically fitted for your mouth. Immediately after the teeth are removed, these dentures are placed. The advantage is that you won’t be without teeth during the healing process. However, you will need follow-up visits to adjust the dentures because the jawbone undergoes slight changes as your mouth heals. The dentures will require tightening once the jawbone has fully healed.
Partial dentures are an alternative when not all teeth need to be extracted. They resemble bridges but are not a permanent fixture in your mouth.
It may take some time to get used to wearing dentures. The dentures’ flesh-colored base is positioned over your gums. Initially, you might feel that they are bulky or encroach on the space for your tongue. Occasionally, the dentures may feel loose, affecting your eating and speech. However, with time, your mouth adapts, and you become more comfortable eating and speaking with dentures, which gradually resemble your natural teeth. Although dentures may never feel entirely natural, they are preferable to not having teeth at all.
While dentures are not real teeth, they require proper care. Brush them to remove plaque and food particles before removing the dentures. After removal, place them in room temperature water or a denture cleaning solution—avoid hot water, as it can warp the dentures. Handle your dentures with care to avoid dropping them, as they are delicate. Never attempt to adjust them yourself, as you may damage them. Seek assistance from your dentist if they feel uncomfortable or loose.
The technique of bonding is widely employed to enhance the appearance of your smile. It can address issues such as cracks or gaps in teeth, serve as a filling following cavity removal, or conceal stains and discoloration.
To perform bonding, a composite resin is applied to the affected tooth or teeth. This resin is shaped and sculpted over an adhesive gel that is placed on the tooth. Once applied, an LED light is used to harden the resin, which is then polished, resulting in a rejuvenated smile.
Bonding represents a significant improvement compared to noticeable silver amalgam fillings. With the advancements in dental technology, bonded restorations typically last for more than 10 years. It is a safe, cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing solution for various dental concerns.
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