Have you recently had a tooth or multiple teeth knocked out or pulled? Are you tired of being toothless and hiding your smile? If you have a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth, your dentist may recommend artificial replacement teeth. It’s time to stop hiding your smile – you have many affordable options when it comes to tooth replacement.
ARTIFICIAL TOOTH REPLACEMENT OPTIONS
You have several options when it comes to tooth replacement. Dentures are a removable option that you can take out and clean, but they can also slide around or fall out– this is not for everyone. Your other options are crowns, implants and bridges, which function more like your actual teeth. So, which option is best?
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DENTAL CROWNS AND BRIDGES
A dental crown is used to cap an individual’s decaying, weak or damaged tooth. A crown is generally used to help maintain its strength, shape, size, and appearance. It can also be used to replace a missing tooth by placing it on top of a dental implant. A dental implant is a small threaded post that replaces the root of a tooth. It is used to interface with the bone of the jaw to support a dental prosthesis such as a crown, bridge, or denture. These metal implants become anchored to your jawbone when the bone fuses to the metal. The healing process after getting an implant can take anywhere from 6-12 weeks. Once healed, your dentist will then place a metal post (or abutment) into your implant. This will allow for future placement of crowns, bridges or dentures.
A dental bridge is a custom made replacement tooth or teeth that fill the space where one or more teeth are missing. The bridge consists of two crowns – one on each end – and a bridge of replacement teeth that rest in-between. The crowns at each end of a bridge can be removable and clip onto existing teeth, fused to existing teeth or they can be attached to dental implants.
Whichever one of these replacement tooth options you choose, they both are key to maintaining great oral health. Untreated gaps from tooth loss can lead to further problems such as; affected speech and ability to chew, teeth rotation, and teeth shifting into the empty spaces, which can result in a bad bite. Missing teeth can also lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and gum disease.
HOW LONG DO DENTAL CROWNS AND BRIDGES LAST?
Sometimes a crown or bridge can loosen or fall out due to damage caused by chewing on hard foods or objects. Crowns or bridges may also loosen over time from dental diseases that cause tooth or bone loss. Most often bridges can last up to 10 years and crowns can last up to 15 years, however, good oral hygiene and regular dental check ups can extend the life of both. This includes brushing at least twice a day, flossing or cleaning between your teeth with water flossers or interdental brushes at least once a day. It is also recommended to use anti-bacterial mouthwash and tongue scrapers.
CROWNS & BRIDGES MAGNA UT
It’s important to see your dentist for regular cleanings – not only to keep your teeth bacteria-free and pearly white, but also to check the health of your crown or your bridge. Rely on Cyprus Family Dental for dental crowns, bridges, dentures and more. Give us a call today or contact us here to set up your restorative dentistry appointment. Whatever type of tooth replacement you decide on, we hope your new teeth make you want to smile.