Bridges and Implants
Bridges and implants are two ways to replace a missing tooth or teeth. Bridges are false teeth anchored in place by neighbouring teeth. The bridge consists of two crowns on the anchoring teeth along with the false tooth in the centre. Dental implants are artificial roots used to support replacement teeth.
A dental implant is made by surgically inserting one or more small metal posts beneath the gum into the jawbone. In a few months, when the implants are fused to the surrounding bone, the artificial tooth or teeth are then attached and the missing tooth or teeth are restored
A fixed bridge replaces one or more missing teeth. It is called a “bridge” because it covers a gap, and the bridge is supported by teeth or implants on one or both sides of that gap. The supporting teeth or implants are sometimes called abutments. In this procedure, each abutment is prepared to receive full crowns or caps. When completed, the bridge is cemented into position over the supporting abutments
Crowns and Caps
Crowns are dental restorations that protect damaged, cracked or broken teeth. Dental crowns, often referred to as caps, sit over the entire part of the tooth that lies above the gum line.
A crown or cap is a cover that fits over a tooth that has been damaged by decay, broken, badly stained or mis-shaped. It is prepared by your dentist, and usually requires more than one visit to complete. A crown can be made of acrylic, metal, porcelain, or porcelain bonded to metal. All-porcelain crowns look more like your natural teeth, and therefore are usually used for front teeth, while porcelain bonded to metal is stronger and better for crowns in the back of the mouth. Sometimes all-metal crowns are used for back teeth because of the metal’s strength.
Dentures
Dentures are prosthetic devices replacing lost teeth. There are two types of dentures: full and partial. Each type is made from an impression of the wearer’s mouth. Once the mold is made and the measurements are sent off to a dental lab to be made into permanent dentures, the dentist fits a temporary denture.
Dentures are secured by attaching to or fitting over any remaining natural teeth or implants.
