Dental Implants

TOOTH COLORED BRIDGES

A bridge is a restoration that replaces the space where one or more teeth have been lost. There are many functional reasons to replace a missing tooth, as well as aesthetic reasons.

A bridge is bonded or cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing teeth. A false tooth (called a pontic) replaces the lost tooth. A pontic is attached to a crown (restoration that covers a tooth). Crowns, which are cemented on natural teeth, serve as abutments that provide support for the bridge.

Once a bridge is cemented into place you will again have a functional tooth that matches with the rest of your teeth.

If you are like most people considering dental implants, you probably have a number of questions. The decision to proceed with dental implant treatment is important. It affects your overall health, appearance and well-being.

What are Dental Implants?

The dental implants used by most dentists and dental specialists are root-form implants, which basically means that they are replacement, or substitute tooth roots, used to replace natural tooth roots in areas of the mouth where teeth are missing.

The reason it is so important to replace the tooth root as well as the visible part of the tooth (crown) is that natural tooth roots are embedded in the bone, providing the stable foundation necessary to bite and chew. In essence, the bone holds the tooth roots in place and tooth roots preserve the bone.

When teeth are missing, the bone that previously supported those teeth melts away, or deteriorates. This process is called bone resorption. However, the bone can be preserved by replacing missing tooth roots with dental implants. Since the bone actually forms a strong bond to the implants, they can serve the same functions as natural tooth roots: a strong foundation for biting and chewing, and stimulation for the bone to hold it in place.

Dental Implants Tutorial