Implants vs Bridges and Crowns Fountain Valley CA Tooth loss has a major impact on every aspect of your life. Even losing just one tooth can have serious consequences. Things that were once simple, like eating and speaking, suddenly become more challenging. The appearance of your smile and your confidence diminishes. Your healthy teeth can shift out of their natural positions, altering your bite. When this happens, you may be faced with other issues such as bruxism, excessive tooth wear, and jaw pain. At Bijan Family Dental Practice, we can help to restore the health, function, and appearance of your smile with bridges and dental implants. Dental BridgesA bridge is a dental restoration that is designed to replace one to three missing teeth. This restoration consists of your replacement tooth and two dental crowns, which surround the artificial tooth on both sides. The function of the crowns is to hold the bridge securely in place by anchoring on to your adjacent healthy (abutment) teeth. Bridges are typically made from ceramic, a material popular for its ability to mimic many of the properties of natural enamel, including color and light reflection. Placing dental crowns takes two visits. During the first visit, the abutment teeth are prepared. Much like preparing a tooth for a regular crown, enamel is removed from each tooth, creating the room necessary for the bridge to fit properly in place. Impressions are taken, which are sent to a lab and used to create your custom fit bridge. On your second visit, we secure the bridge in place using a special dental cement. Pros and Con of BridgesBenefits of bridges include:
There are also a few drawbacks:
Dental ImplantsDental implants are a newer option for replacing missing teeth. They consist of three major components: the implant, the abutment, and the crown. The implant itself is a small titanium rod that is surgically inserted into the jawbone. It relies on the fusion of your jawbone to the titanium, a process known as osseointegration. When this happens successfully, the implant becomes a strong, stable "root." The abutment is the connector that is placed on top of the implants and connects the crown with the implant. The crown, usually made from ceramic, is your actual replacement tooth. Implants require a surgical procedure. A local anesthetic is used, and sedation may also be used as well. Incisions are made in the gums and holes drilled into the bone. The implants are then placed, and your gums sutured closed. Temporary teeth are placed until you heal, and then the process of getting your replacement teeth begins. Pros and Cons of Dental ImplantsDental implants have several benefits:
Cons of dental implants include:
Frequently Asked QuestionsDentistry offers various restorations for broken, damaged, chipped, and even missing teeth. Sometimes it can be challenging for patients to know which dental procedure they may need - bridges, dental crowns, or implants. At Bijan Family Dental Practice we are here to help educate our patients on the various dental restorations available and guide you on which would best suit your dental needs and situation. What is a dental crown?A dental crown is a protective cap that is fitted over one or more teeth. It not only restores the original shape of the tooth but also reinforces its strength, addressing issues like chipped or fractured teeth. This procedure is particularly beneficial for individuals with significant cavities or teeth exhibiting signs of damage, such as chips, cracks, or erosion. Why might I need a dental crown?If you're dealing with a broken, discolored, or misshapen tooth, a dental crown will most likely be recommended. Following a root canal treatment, crowns offer an ideal solution by safeguarding the treated tooth and restoring its natural resilience. This ensures that the tooth remains fully functional despite previous decay damage. Additionally, many opt for crowns for aesthetic reasons, effectively concealing tooth discoloration. Dental crowns are also used on top of dental implants. The crown will serve as your new tooth. What materials are dental crowns made of?We offer a selection of materials for crowns, including ceramics, porcelain, composite resin, and metal alloys. The choice of material depends on various factors such as tooth location, primary function, gum condition, tooth color, and patient preferences. Regardless of the material chosen, we prioritize ensuring a comfortable fit and a color that matches seamlessly with your natural teeth. How is a dental crown placed?Most patients typically require two appointments for crown placement. Following an initial assessment and consultation, we will begin by preparing the tooth. This involves removing surface imperfections and decayed material. This step is crucial for preventing future dental complications and ensuring proper crown alignment with adjacent teeth. Subsequently, we utilize digital scanning technology to obtain an accurate impression of the tooth, which is then sent to our lab for crown fabrication. While awaiting the completion of the crown model, temporary crowns may be provided for visible teeth. Once your custom crown is ready, we assess its fit and color compatibility with neighboring teeth, making necessary adjustments until you're fully satisfied. Upon approval, the crown is securely cemented onto the tooth. Is the placement of a dental crown painful?The placement of a dental crown is typically not painful as the tooth is numbed with local anesthesia during the procedure. Patients may feel slight pressure or discomfort during certain steps, such as tooth preparation, but any discomfort is usually minimal and manageable. After the procedure, some mild soreness or sensitivity might occur, but it generally subsides quickly. Overall, most patients find the process of getting a dental crown to be relatively comfortable. Schedule Your Dental Restoration in Fountain Valley CAReplacing missing teeth is essential for giving you back a healthy, beautiful, fully functional smile. For more information, and to find out which option is best for you, contact Bijan Family Dental Practice at (714) 421-4494 today. |
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