What to Expect With a Dental Bridge

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As you might expect from the name, a dental bridge “bridges” a span. Except this kind of bridge spans across an area where there are one or more missing teeth. You needn’t be embarrassed about missing teeth. Lots of adults lose their teeth for one reason or another. You just may not realize it because—you guessed it—they have a dental bridge! If you’re in this same boat, you should definitely talk to your dentist in Gilbert, AZ about the possibility of getting a dental bridge as a way to address the situation. Here’s what you could expect if you decided to go with a dental bridge:

The Procedure

The process typically involves two visits. During the first visit, your dentist prepares the surrounding teeth, known as abutment teeth, by reshaping them to support the bridge. Impressions of your teeth are taken to create a custom bridge. A temporary bridge may be placed to protect your teeth while the permanent one is made. In the second visit, the permanent bridge is cemented into place after any necessary adjustments.

Adjusting to Your New Bridge

At first, you may notice some sensitivity in your teeth or gums, but this should subside after a few days. It can take a little time to get used to chewing and speaking with the bridge. Your dentist will provide guidance on how to care for your bridge, which includes maintaining good oral hygiene to prevent gum disease and decay in the supporting teeth.

Long-Term Care

A dental bridge in Gilbert, AZ can last for many years if properly cared for. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are crucial to keeping your bridge in good condition. With proper maintenance, your bridge can provide lasting support and restore your confidence in your smile.

Which Restorative Treatment Is Best for You?

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Restorative dentistry focuses on improving and rebuilding the structural integrity of the teeth and mouth. If you’ve suffered tooth loss or are at risk for it, restorative treatments can give you back your normal chewing ability. Several treatments fall under this umbrella. Here’s a closer look at some of them and the type of problems they treat, so you can choose the right one for your needs.

Crowns

A crown is a fake tooth that sits on top of the existing tooth. If your tooth is cracked or chipped, but the root and bone are in good shape, it can be the right choice. Crowns can also improve the color of discolored teeth that are otherwise healthy.

Implants

If you’ve lost a tooth, an implant is a great restorative dentistry option. It protects your jaw and gums and ensures you can chew properly. Implants typically have a titanium screw that anchors to the bone in the mouth. On top of that, your Gilbert dentist will place a fake tooth. This process creates a replacement tooth that functions just like a natural one.

Bridges

While implants work well if you’ve lost one or two teeth, if you have multiple teeth missing in one area, you may benefit from a bridge. A bridge places a crown on either side of the missing teeth and then attaches fake teeth to these crowns. This prevents the need for an implant while also ensuring you have full function in your mouth.

Are you interested in learning more about restorative treatments to restore the look and function you want in your mouth? Give Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry a call to learn more about your options.

3 Restorative Dentistry Options You Might Not Know About

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Visiting your dentist in Gilbert, AZ isn’t just about dental exams and cleanings. It’s also about making your teeth and gums as healthy as possible. That’s where restorative dentistry comes in. Restorative dentistry refers to dental procedures that restore your mouth to its best possible condition. This includes functionality and appearance. So, while cosmetic dentistry gets a lot of hype, restorative dentistry can also transform your smile! Here are three restorative dentistry options you might not know about.

1. Four-on-four Dental Implants

You may know about dental implants, but did you know there’s an even simpler solution for patients with multiple missing teeth? Four-on-four dental implants attach to the jaw at four key points. The result is the ability to restore a person’s entire set of upper or lower teeth. This all comes with a speedier recovery time and little or no need for bone grafting.

2. Same-day Crowns

You probably know about dental crowns, but did you know you can now get crowns in one day? Same-day crowns, also known as CEREC crowns, eliminate the need for temporary crowns and multiple visits. Using digital impressions and computer-aided milling, a permanent crown can be designed, manufactured, and placed in just one appointment. This not only saves time but also ensures a perfect fit, reducing the risk of future adjustments.

3. CAD/CAM Bridge Technology

The bridge your grandfather might have is quite different from the dental bridge you’ll get today. Dental bridge technology has seen significant improvements, thanks to CAD/CAM software. This technology allows for the precise design and manufacturing of bridges, ensuring a perfect fit and reducing the time required for the procedure.

Do these Gilbert, AZ restorative dentistry treatments sound intriguing to you? Contact us today to book your appointment or to learn more!

Bridges Vs. Implants: What to Know

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Bridges and implants are two dental tools that professionals use to help patients fill a gap when a tooth is missing. When it comes to choosing a type of prosthetic tooth, it’s important to make an informed decision. Knowing the difference between a bridge and an implant is important. Yourdentist in Gilbert, AZ, can help. At Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry, we offer dental advice and care to help our patients make good decisions for their oral hygiene needs. If you’re trying to decide between a dental bridge and a dental implant, here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Bridge?

A dental bridge is a prosthetic tooth held in place with crowns that grip the teeth on either side of the gap. Dental bridges look natural and can’t be distinguished from normal teeth.

Dental bridges are color-matched to the surrounding teeth, so the dental bridge that’s installed in your mouth will be the same color as the rest of your teeth. To have a dental bridge installed, you’ll need the tooth or teeth on either side of the dental bridge to be healthy.

What Is an Implant?

An implant is a prosthetic tooth that’s inserted into the jaw. Once healed, the dental implant is fused with the jaw, similar to the way a tooth root is firmly implanted in the mouth. The implant is topped with a crown that looks just like a real tooth. In this way, dental implants look like and function like real teeth. To have a dental implant, you’ll need sufficient jaw bone for the implant to take hold.

Which One Do You Need?

The decision to get a dental implant or a bridge depends on your oral hygiene and oral health. Your dentist will be able to walk you through the options to determine what best fits your needs. To learn more about dental implants anddental bridges in Gilbert, AZ, call today to make an appointment.