Posts Tagged ‘dental bridge’

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Central Leeds dentist replaces missing tooth with dental bridge

Saturday, November 14th, 2009

Having a missing tooth can be very embarrassing and the source of low self-confidence and self-esteem. It can make people reluctant to smile and avoid eye contact, two of the most important communication methods we have. However, it is not just psychological damage that is done by a missing tooth. Teeth act as rigid supports for facial muscles and a missing tooth or teeth can cause facial muscles to sag. This gives a sunken appearance that makes the patient look older.

A gap from a missing tooth can also cause the other existing teeth to lean into it. This can cause interruptions in bite (the way the top and bottom teeth sit together) which can lead to painful jaw conditions called TMJs and subconscious teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. The hollows left by teeth can also be the breeding grounds for bacteria because they are difficult to clean with regular toothbrushes.

It is important therefore to replace the missing tooth as soon as possible. There are several options available to replace a tooth, but one of the most popular choices is called a dental bridge. This involves using artificial crowns on either side of the gap to support an artificial tooth or teeth, also known as the pontic.

There are three main types of dental bridge. The traditional fixed bridge, as mentioned above that uses crowns to secure the pontic; the resin-bonded bridge where the pontic is supported by resin bonded strips fixed to the adjacent teeth (only suitable for patients with strong existing teeth); and the cantilevered bridge where there is only an existing tooth on one side of the gap so the pontic will be cantilevered against two or more teeth on that side.

Dental bridges can last up to ten years if properly maintained and provide an adequate replacement for a real tooth. They preserve the position of the other teeth and act as support for the facial muscles. They provide the aesthetic appearance of normal teeth and help maintain a healthy looking profile. If you suffer from missing teeth ask a Central Leeds dentist about dental bridges.

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Dental implant from Central Leeds dentist replaces missing tooth

Thursday, October 1st, 2009

Missing teeth can not only be a source of embarrassment, but they can have significant adverse effects on remaining teeth and facial structure. The gap left by a missing tooth can be a breeding ground for bacteria if not effectively cleaned, which can be difficult with conventional brushes. Existing teeth will also naturally lean into spaces in the tooth line. This can cause sagging of the facial muscles, giving a sunken appearance, and can also affect bite and profile. It is a good idea to consult your dentist and have the missing tooth replaced as soon as possible.

One of the options to replace a missing tooth, besides a dental bridge, is a dental implant. Although this is a more complex procedure, it does provide a more secure, long-lasting and realistic alternative to a real tooth. For this reason, dental implants are becoming more and more popular with dentists and patients alike.

Dental implants take the form of a cylindrical screw that is anchored into the jawbone, which acts as a stable base to attach a veneer, or artificial tooth. They are particularly suitable for patients with strong and healthy gums and bones, and whose existing teeth are in a good condition. The screw will usually be made form titanium, which is a very light but very strong material which has no harmful affects associated with it. Because the screw is anchored into the actual jaw, and not secured to existing teeth, it has a greater degree of stability which means there is no need for more fragile bonding or adhesives. It also means that certain foods not suitable to eat with other dental prosthetics can be eaten without any fuss.

The procedure will usually involve two or more visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the screw implant will be fixed into the jaw. This will then need to be left to heal and fuse with the jawbone in a process called osseointergartion. On subsequent visits the dentist will attach a post and finally the artificial tooth.

Visit a Central Leeds dentist to see if a dental implant can be suitable to replace your missing tooth and you can restore your smile and protect your remaining teeth with one procedure.

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City of Leeds dentist replaces missing tooth with dental bridge

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009

For patients suffering from a missing tooth or teeth, one cosmetic procedure that can restore the appearance of a full set is a dental bridge. By bonding a dental bridge to existing teeth either side of the gap, a dentist can create a natural looking and seamless artificial bridge.

Dental bridges are a tried and tested method of cosmetic dentistry that not only enhance the visual appearance of the teeth but can have other more significant and long lasting benefits. If left untreated, the gaps left by missing teeth can have adverse effects on the remaining natural teeth of a patient. Teeth either side of the hole will naturally lean into the empty space. This will have a negative effect on the bite and profile of the patient and can cause sagging of the facial muscles giving a sunken appearance. Even slight adjustments in bite can lead to uncomfortable irritation and unconscious teeth grinding, known as bruxism, which can have very detrimental effects on the teeth. It is also common for bacteria to thrive in the hollows left by missing teeth unless a very strict regime of oral hygiene is observed.

The three main types of dental bridge are the traditional fixed bridge – when the bridge is attached to two crowns, one either side of the bridge; the resin bonded bridge – when the bridge is bonded to existing teeth with metal strips and composite resin usually for patients with healthy existing teeth; and the cantilever bridge – when there are only existing teeth on one side of the missing tooth and the bridge needs to be secured to two or more teeth on that side. A City of Leeds dentist will be able to assess which bridge will be most effective for you.

Usually requiring several visits to the dentist to fit, a dental bridge is usually a fairly pain-free procedure that can restore the appearance of natural teeth for up to seven years, with good cleaning, oral hygiene and regular check ups with a City of Leeds dentist.

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Central Leeds dentist replaces missing tooth with dental bridge

Sunday, September 13th, 2009

When a tooth is missing because it has decayed or has been knocked out in an accident, it leaves a space in the tooth line. This space can be detrimental to remaining teeth and oral hygiene as a whole. Existing teeth tend to lean into the space created by the missing tooth. It can also cause sagging of the facial tissue, specifically if there is more than one tooth missing.

One of the options to replace a missing tooth is to have a dental bridge fitted by a dentist. A dental bridge is an artificial tooth, or teeth, that is anchored onto the existing teeth either side of the gap. The artificial tooth, known as the pontic from the Latin word ‘bridge’, is fused between two crowns which bridges the gap of the missing tooth, creating the appearance of a full set of teeth.

Dental bridges therefore serve the cosmetic purpose of recreating a full set of teeth, but also have further cosmetic advantages as mentioned above. A bridge can also help maintain a healthy looking profile and prevent alterations in bite, which can cause irritation. Gaps left by missing teeth are also breeding grounds for bacteria which cause gum disease and tooth decay. Food particles can accumulate there and break down. Bacteria feed on these particles and form plaque, a substance which covers the teeth causing cavities. A dental bridge will fill this hole and prevent this build up, keeping your teeth and mouth healthy.

There are three main types of dental bridge that can be used depending on the individual situation of the patient. The most commonly used is the traditional fixed bridge. This (as described above) is when a ceramic pontic is secured by two crowns on either side of the gap. Resin bonded bridges are bridges fused to existing teeth by strips of metal. This type of bridge is used when the existing teeth are in a healthy and strong condition and don’t require crowns. Lastly, the cantilever bridge is used when there are only existing teeth on one side of the gap. Two or more crowns will then be needed to secure a dental bridge.

A dental bridge will usually require several visits to the dentist to fit, as any crowns or resin bonding will need to set before the bridge can be attached to it. Central Leeds dentists can advise you on whether a dental crown is suitable for you and give an idea as to prices. If a dental bridge is suitable for you it can literally bring the smile back to your face and if looked after correctly can last up to seven years. call 0113 245 4868 for a consultation with Dr Gakhal.

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