London cosmetic dentistry

Posts Tagged ‘Dental bridge’

Solid dental bridge from Central London dentist replaces missing teeth

Sunday, August 15th, 2010

Teeth can be knocked out in many situations. It could be as the result of a sporting injury, a motor accident or even as the result of a particularly nasty disagreement. But having a tooth knocked out is never a laughing matter. Not only will a missing tooth spoil the appearance of the smile but it will also be very painful and cause all sorts of dental problems in the future if the damage is not repaired.

There are a number of ways your Central London dentist can replace your missing tooth and restore both the appearance and the functionality. This could involve using a dental implant or even a partial denture. However, one of the most effective and popular choices is the dental bridge.

A dental bridge is just as it sounds, an artificial tooth that literally bridges the gap created by the missing tooth. The artificial tooth, or pontic from the Latin for ‘bridge’, will be attached by either two dental crowns or resin bonded strips. This will very much depend on the condition of the adjacent teeth.

The dental bridge will last up to fifteen years if it is properly cared for with effective brushing and flossing. The other major advantage of the dental bridge is the cost. When compared to other dental substitutes, the dental bridge is very cheap yet still very effective. You may have to be slightly careful when eating harder foods but other than that, the dental bridge will behave and appear just like a real tooth. If you have suffered a knocked out tooth or need to replace an old dental substitution then make an appointment to discuss dental bridges with your Central London dentist.

Having a Bridge fitted is quite easy. By a London dentist

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

A London dentist has been talking about the benefits of having a Bridge fitted to solve the problem of the need for a false tooth. We can all so easily lose a tooth which leaves an unsightly gap; the problem is how do we fill that gap? First choice to many people would be a denture, but many people just don`t get on with dentures and they are high maintenance. Next choice may be a Dental Implant, but these can take months to complete the fitting, the last choice would be have a Bridge fitted. A Bridge is a false tooth that is held in position by being anchored to the good teeth either side of the gap; it looks like 3 teeth because it is just that in a way. The good anchor teeth are filed down to a square, this is the exact same size as the inside hollow of the anchor teeth, which are also made of porcelain. The anchors are fitted over the teeth and cemented on; this allows the false tooth in the middle to be suspended safely to fill the gap. It can be used the same as any of your own natural teeth, and if it become damaged it is easily replaced in a few weeks. The cleaning of the bridge is just the same as for all your other teeth, and they will still need a Tartar clean up every 6 months, it won`t appear obvious either and most wearers forget they have one in.

Learn more about dental implants at London dentist

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Restorative dentistry aims to repair damage that has been caused by dental trauma. This includes when teeth have been knocked out or lost due to decay. There are several methods of replacing missing teeth that include dental bridges and partial dentures. However, perhaps the most realistic and certainly the most permanent is called a dental implant.

The implant itself is a small titanium screw that is anchored directly into the jawbone. Once it is there it will need several weeks or even months to properly fuse with the natural tissue and bone in the jaw. Once solid, the dentists can then attach a post followed by an artificial tooth to the implant. In this way it is the only dental restoration to replace the whole of the tooth from root to tip.

Unlike most other restorations, the dental implant is a permanent solution that does not need to be replaced. Because it replaces the whole of the tooth, including the root, it is also a lot more stable and less likely to suffer damage than a dental bridge. It also means that patients are free to enjoy any food without having to worry about the damage.

London dentists also offer mini-implants to patients who wear dentures. These are a series of smaller implants that are used as a stable and permanent base for dentures. This alleviates the anxiety felt by many denture wearers that they are going to fall out at inopportune moments and means they do not have to resort to sticky and messy denture adhesives.

Get your smile back with dental bridge from London dentist

Monday, July 5th, 2010

If you are suffering from a missing tooth that is spoiling the appearance of your smile, you may want to consider a dental bridge to restore the appearance of your smile. Dental bridges are one of the most common ways of restoring missing teeth and giving you back a healthy and happy smile.

A dental bridge is made by using dental crowns attached to the adjacent teeth and an artificial tooth attached to the crowns to literally bridge the gap. The crowns are fixed to the teeth on either side and left to set for a few weeks. When this has happened the dentist will then attach the bridging tooth, also known as the pontic, using resin bonding and small strips of metal. In some cases, if the teeth are in very good condition, the dentist may simply attach the pontic using resin bonded strips to save removing healthy enamel in order to fix the crowns. In cases where there are only teeth on one side, it is possible to manufacture a cantilevered bridge.

Dental bridges can last up to twenty years if they are properly maintained but in most cases last between ten and fifteen. They are a valuable way of creating the appearance of a full set of healthy teeth and also serve a useful physiological purpose, acting as a rigid structure for the facial tissue. They also have fairly obvious aesthetic purposes.

There are other ways to replace missing teeth available from London dentists that include dental implants and partial dentures but a dental bridge is very often the most affordable option. Discuss with your dentist your options to replace your missing tooth and to find out more about dental bridges and their potential benefits for your smile.

Protect damaged teeth with porcelain crown from London dentist

Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010

If a tooth becomes damaged either by decay or as the result of an accident it may be possible that bacteria can penetrate the protective layer of enamel and cause an infection in the inner, sensitive part of the tooth. This could be the source of great pain and further dental complications, which could ultimately result in losing the tooth.

It may be possible to add further protection to the tooth and prevent bacteria infiltrating by filling the cavity with composite bonding, but if the damage is too large it will require a dental crown. Dental crowns cover all parts if the tooth that are exposed above the gum line. Traditionally they have been made from metal, ceramic or a combination of both. However, more and more patients are opting for ceramic porcelain crowns because of the superior visual appearance of porcelain. This is because porcelain bears a distinctive resemblance to tooth enamel and can be closely matched for colour.

The crown will be designed and manufactured by your London dentist either from dental moulds or using the latest digital x-ray technology. The crown will then be sculpted to fit your tooth perfectly and look similar to the other teeth. The dentist will then need to remove some of the enamel from the tooth so that the new crown can fit over it comfortably. It will then be cemented in place with dental bonding.

Dental crowns then protect the tooth from any further damage and the threat of nasty dental infection. Crowns are also used for several other reasons including after a root canal treatment and to support a dental bridge or other dental restoration.

Lifelong dental implant from London dentist

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010

One of the most popular ways of replacing missing teeth currently is a dental implant. Patients seem to favour dental implants over other dental substitutions such as dental bridges and partial dentures as they provide a grater degree of realism and stability.

A dental implant is the small screw that your London dentist places directly into the jawbone. Because the implant goes directly into the bone it is important that you have strong bones in order for the procedure to be successful. If the bone is insufficiently strong, there may be a chance to have a graft of bone from another area to make it possible for the jaw to accept the implant.

Once the implant is positioned in the jaw it will take a few weeks for it to fuse with the other tissue to become absolutely solid and prepared for the next stage of the treatment. This involves attaching a post to the implant to act as a base for a dental crown, usually made of porcelain and chosen specially to look natural in terms of size and colour.

The dental implant is the only form of dental restoration to replace the whole of the tooth in this way. It is this aspect that gives the implant the advantage and allows the patient to eat and drink every thing they want, something that is not always possible with other replacements.

One of the other major benefits of the dental implant is the fact that it lasts a lifetime. Dental bridges and dentures often have a lifespan of between ten and twenty years before they will need replacing. Once a dental implant is in place you are free to treat it as a normal tooth and carry on with your life.

Get your smile back with a dental bridge from Central London dentist

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

Losing a tooth to decay or in an accident can be painful and cause a series of long-term dental complications. As well as the pain and cost of treatment, missing teeth are also quite unattractive, especially if somewhere very visible in the dental arc. They can also cause many other underlying dental and wider health problems such as rotating teeth and bite problems. Therefore, Central London dentists always recommend that you try and replace missing teeth as soon as you can.

One of the most popular ways of replacing a missing tooth is to have a dental bridge. This involves constructing an artificial tooth attached by dental crowns on either side of the gap. Alternatively, if the teeth are in good condition, the new tooth can be attached by resin bonded strips.

The artificial tooth, known as the pontic from the Latin for bridge, is usually made from ceramic and chosen to closely match the size and colour of the other teeth. This is attached to dental crowns on either side that hold it in place, bridging the gap. Dental bridges can last as long as twenty years if they are properly cared for, which involves cleaning it by brushing and flossing just as you would a real tooth. It may be necessary to avoid certain foods which could damage the bridge by being too hard. Your dentist will be able to give you more information about how to look after your dental bridge.

A dental bridge will not only restore the aesthetic appearance of your smile which was lost with the tooth, but it can also restore the functionality and make sure that no further damage can be caused to the other teeth, facial tissues and the profile. If you have a missing tooth and are keen to replace it with a substitute, make an appointment to discuss dental bridges with your dentist.

Missing teeth are easily replaced with a Dental Bridge, says a City of London dentist

Wednesday, May 12th, 2010

A dental bridge is a unique and crafty way to have a missing tooth replaced without all the fuss and time involved with a dental implant. It is a painless and quick solution that has been very successfully performed for many decades, and it doesn’t cost a fortune says a City of London dentist. If you`re fortunate enough, the treatment will start before you lose the tooth in question. If you`ve already lost it, the gap left will be used to make the replacement tooth. It is not a good idea to leave a missing tooth without any further treatment, the teeth either side will lose their support from the missing tooth and slide into the space. This can cause a misaligned tooth or teeth; and therefore more problems. Using digital photos and X-rays, and often a mould made of the teeth; your dentist will scan them into a computer. the dentist will calculate the exact size and dimensions of the whole bridge. The bridge itself will consist of the missing tooth and two more teeth either side; these will have a hollow inside which is shaped to fit over the teeth on each side. They are all made from porcelain which is very hard wearing and look, feel and act just like the real thing. The two teeth either side are called anchors, for obvious reasons, and are slide over the side teeth after they have been shaped to take the bridge. For an idea of what I mean think of a piece of furniture you are fitting together, you will be using round dowels to secure the pieces together, and now think of the anchor as the piece you are fitting over the dowel. This is now cemented to secure and seal it from infections. The bridge will give you many years of care free usage, and the best part is that no-one but you will know.

London dentist replaces missing tooth with dental bridge

Friday, February 19th, 2010

Modern dentistry has advanced to the stage that missing teeth can now be replaced with functional and realistic dental replacements. In the past, dental substitutes were usually in the form of plates or partial dentures which were not permanently attached. These were often prone to coming loose or falling out at inopportune moments. Another, more modern option for missing teeth is to have a more permanent dental bridge fitted.

A dental bridge is attached to the existing teeth with either dental crowns or resin-bonded strips, depending on the condition of the teeth. An artificial tooth, also called a pontic, is the attached to the crowns or resin strips to fill the gap left by a missing tooth.

Missing teeth need to be replaced for a number of reasons. Firstly, and most obviously, are the aesthetic reasons. Missing teeth can be quite unpleasant and very noticeable, especially if in the teeth at the front. They can also have adverse effects on profile and facial muscles, which can sag if several teeth are missing. Missing teeth can also cause there to be changes in the way the other teeth are aligned. Gaps can allow teeth to lean and rotate, which may cause painful bite interruptions and jaw conditions.

London dentists offer dental bridges to replace missing teeth as a standard procedure. The cost of a dental bridge varies according to the severity of work needed. A dental bridge can restore the appearance and functionality of a lost tooth and will last for up to fifteen years if properly maintained.

How to tell if you are suitable for a dental implant at London dentist

Friday, February 12th, 2010

Over the last few years, dental implants have replaced dental bridges and partial dentures as the dental replacement of choice. This is because unlike all the other dental substitutes, a dental implant replaces the whole tooth from root to crown. This gives the patient a more realistic feeling and also provides an added degree of security that can be missing from other dental replacements.

The dental implant itself is a small titanium screw that is anchored directly into the jawbone to act as a base for an artificial tooth. Once drilled into the bone the implant needs to be left for several weeks or even months in order to fuse with the bone and gum tissue. This process is called osseointergration and is crucial to the success of the treatment. For osseointergration to be completely successful, the patient needs to have a sufficiently strong jawbone and gum tissue. This can mean that some patients are not suitable for the treatment especially if they have very bad gum tissue or the missing tooth is the result of a physical trauma which also damaged the tooth socket and jawbone.

In cases where trauma has damaged the jaw it is possible to undergo a bone and tissue graft in order to restore the structure before fitting the implant. This will add a considerable time to the length of treatment however but ultimately the results will be worth it. Dental implants can last a lifetime if you are a suitable candidate and remove the anxiety that can occur when using other dental substitutes. Make an appointment with a London dentist to see if you are suitable for a dental implant.