This four-part article series takes a closer look at the various
technologies and techniques available for the repair and replacement of
damaged, worn and discolored teeth.
Welcome to the third installment of this
four-part article series on the various tools, treatments, techniques and
technology available for the perfection of smiles. In our previous article,
Part 2, we spoke to a panel of Pueblo
CO dental implant dentists who talked about the camouflaging power of
dental / porcelain veneers and the much improved tooth-colored filling
materials available for the repair of cavities and the sealing of deep molar
cusps.
It can be easy to want new teeth if you aren't proud of your smile, which may be a little extreme considering the number of
treatment options available for the aesthetic improvement of damaged and
discolored teeth. But in many cases, new teeth are exactly what are needed!
Let’s now take a look at dental implants…
Dental Implants
If you’ve lost one tooth, several teeth or even
all of your natural teeth – or have had to have them extracted because of
irreparable decay or damage – then a dental implant/s can be put in their place
to provide you with beautiful new teeth. You will need to arrange a
consultation with a dental implant dentist to determine whether or not you are
a candidate for this technology, but most people who want new teeth are.
Dental implants are essentially artificial tooth
roots that are made from titanium metal and that look similar to little screws
(see image above). They are placed in
the jawbone at the site of the missing tooth and are used to provide a sturdy,
fixed platform to which a replacement artificial tooth crown can be attached.
Nestled in the jawbone, dental implants function similar to tooth roots, which
go a long way in helping to keep this hard tissue healthy, since it needs
stimulation in order to keep atrophy at bay.
Dental implants can also typically provide
support for a row of three or more replacement teeth – a bridge – or, in the
case of people who need a complete set of new teeth, a full prosthetic dental
bridge.
Dental Crowns (Tooth and Implant-Supported)
Dental crowns are essentially artificial tooth
crowns that have been fabricated from very durable ceramic composite materials.
They can either be mounted on top of a natural tooth that has been filed down
and prepared by the dentist, or they can be supported by a dental implant if
the tooth being replaced could not be restored.
Dental Bridges
Similar to dental crowns, dental bridges can
also either be supported by two natural teeth that have been ground down and
prepared, or they can be supported by dental implants. The particular variety
of bridge you get comes down to your specific case and the recommendation of Pueblo
CO dentists. Typically, tooth-supported bridges are made to replace one or more
missing teeth by using the healthy adjacent teeth as supports.
An implant supported bridge also replaces
multiple missing teeth, but uses dental implants for support and in doing so, doesn't put much pressure or stress on a patient’s remaining healthy teeth. It is for this reason that oral rehabilitation using implants is typically the
recommendation of dental healthcare professionals for patients who want new
teeth.
Stay Tuned for
Part 4
To learn more about the various treatments that
can be done and dental technologies available to improve the appearance of your
teeth and gums, stay tuned for the final installment of this four-part article
series.
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