The Difference Between Bridges and Implants
Have a missing tooth or two? Luckily, you have options. If you aren’t sure whether you need a dental implant or dental bridge, we are here to help.
A dental bridge is an artificial tooth, called a pontic, that replaces the missing tooth. This is fused to porcelain crowns that are on either side of the missing tooth.
The crowns are placed over the teeth on either side of the missing tooth after removing a small portion of the enamel. Your dentist will make impressions of these teeth in order to make a mold for the bridge, pontic and crowns. You will have a temporary bridge while the custom one is being made. The next time you come in, your permanent bridge will be checked and adjusted as necessary, and after a couple weeks the bridge will be cemented into place.
Dental implants are becoming increasingly popular among those who wish to replace missing teeth. The implant is a procedure where a titanium post is surgically inserted into the jaw bone, serving as a “root” for your new tooth. This post begins to integrate with the bone to provide a stable foundation for the tooth.
After the post has bonded with the bone, generally taking three to six months, a smaller post is attached that extends above the gum line. The artificial tooth, or crown, is attached to this smaller post. The process can take several months, but yield consistent, terrific results for patients.
Both options can be applied to one or more teeth, and preserve or restore facial contour and allow you to talk and eat normally. They prevent adjoining teeth from shifting, and can even help correct bite problems.
If you are interested in replacing any missing teeth and would like to know more, contact Art of Modern Dentistry at (773)904-0748.Courtesy of Mitch Conditt, DDS
A dental bridge is an artificial tooth, called a pontic, that replaces the missing tooth. This is fused to porcelain crowns that are on either side of the missing tooth.
The crowns are placed over the teeth on either side of the missing tooth after removing a small portion of the enamel. Your dentist will make impressions of these teeth in order to make a mold for the bridge, pontic and crowns. You will have a temporary bridge while the custom one is being made. The next time you come in, your permanent bridge will be checked and adjusted as necessary, and after a couple weeks the bridge will be cemented into place.
Dental implants are becoming increasingly popular among those who wish to replace missing teeth. The implant is a procedure where a titanium post is surgically inserted into the jaw bone, serving as a “root” for your new tooth. This post begins to integrate with the bone to provide a stable foundation for the tooth.
After the post has bonded with the bone, generally taking three to six months, a smaller post is attached that extends above the gum line. The artificial tooth, or crown, is attached to this smaller post. The process can take several months, but yield consistent, terrific results for patients.
Both options can be applied to one or more teeth, and preserve or restore facial contour and allow you to talk and eat normally. They prevent adjoining teeth from shifting, and can even help correct bite problems.
If you are interested in replacing any missing teeth and would like to know more, contact Art of Modern Dentistry at (773)904-0748.Courtesy of Mitch Conditt, DDS