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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

Dental implant-supported bridge, partial denture, or dental bridge?

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Are you comparing a dental-implant supported bridge, a partial denture, and a dental bridge? Consider the differences and the pros and cons for each.

Partial denture

A partial denture has a metal or a gum-colored framework. Acrylic teeth are embedded in the base to replace missing teeth.

Pros

  • One or more teeth can be replaced with a partial denture.
  • It’s the least expensive form of tooth replacement.
  • It more appealing than missing teeth.

Cons

  • It’s not as aesthetically pleasing as a dental bridge or implant-supported bridge.
  • It is clasped onto your adjacent teeth, so it’s uncomfortable, and it can weaken the supporting teeth.
  • It doesn’t prevent bone loss in the spaces where teeth are missing.

 

Dental bridge

A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth. Replacement teeth are suspended in the middle. Each end of the bridge has a dental crown that is placed on the natural teeth either side of the missing ones. The end, or anchor, teeth have to be shaved down to accommodate the dental crowns.

Pros

  • A cosmetic dentist can provide porcelain crowns in a bridge that look completely natural.
  • It’s more comfortable than a partial denture.
  • It lasts longer than a partial denture.

Cons

  • Natural teeth on either side of the missing one(s) serve as an anchor for the bridge. They have to be shaved down to accommodate the crowns. This can weaken the anchor teeth.
  • It doesn’t prevent bone loss in the spaces where teeth are missing.
  • A bridge with a metal framework darkens replacement teeth and interferes with translucence. The replacement teeth won’t match your natural teeth, unless a cosmetic dentist adjusts the tooth color and translucence to accommodate the darkening caused by the metal.

Dental implant-supported bridge

A dental implant-supported bridge replaces multiple missing teeth. Instead of using your natural teeth as anchors, dental implants are used.

Pros

  • No work needs to be done on adjacent teeth, because they don’t serve as anchors.
  • A cosmetic dentist can provide dental crowns for the bridge that look completely natural.
  • The implants that anchor the bridge stimulate jawbone growth.

Cons

  • It’s more expensive than a partial denture and other types of non-implant bridges.
  • There is usually a healing period of at least several weeks before a permanent bridge is secured to the dental implants.
  • If you’ve already experienced jawbone shrinking in the spaces where teeth are missing, you might need bone grafting before implants can be placed.

 

Before you make a decision or request a specific form of tooth replacement, consult with an accredited cosmetic dentist to discuss your options.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Can a dental bridge for front teeth look good?

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I have a central incisor and a lateral incisor that are missing. I know that dental implants are my best option but I just can’t afford them this year. I want something else that looks natural. Can I dental bridge for front teeth look good or will I have to settle for it looking okay? Todd W.

Todd – The restoration of front teeth with a dental bridge is straightforward. The challenge comes in producing natural-looking results. You can get beautiful results from a skilled cosmetic dentist who has an artistic approach.

A dental bridge requires that the natural teeth on either side of the missing ones be filed down to accommodate the bridge. The natural teeth will have dental crowns placed over them, which will serve as anchors for the bridge. The replacement teeth will be suspended between the crowned natural teeth.

An experienced cosmetic dentist can provide you with a porcelain bridge that will perfectly match your natural teeth. If you have ever considered having your teeth whitened, it should be done before you receive the bridge. A dental bridge is made to match the color of your natural teeth. If you teeth are whitened after you receive the bridge, your natural teeth will be whiter than the bridge.

Your cosmetic dentist will discuss your goals for your smile and help you plan accordingly. He or she has a master ceramist who manipulates dental porcelain to match the color, translucency, and characteristics of your natural teeth. The results are lifelike.

We recommend that you choose one or two cosmetic dentists with whom you can have a consultation. Check each dentist’s website for information on his or credentials and experience. During the consultation, you can ask questions and get more information on what you can expect for a dental bridge.

This post is sponsored by accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek of Lowell, MA.

Dental Implants vs Crown and Bridge?

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I recently had one of my tooth extracted and I am not going to leave the space open. My dentist said that I could either get a bridge or a dental implant. The cost of the implant helped me decide to go with the bridge, but my dentist says a bridge is not as durable as an implant and it will probably need to be replaced in about 10 years. I’m thinking that she is trying to discourage me from getting the bridge because the amount of the implant is twice the cost and it’s more money for her. Is my dentist right? Vanessa

Vanessa – A dental implant is the most effective means of replacing a missing tooth. It is a permanent form of tooth replacement. It will look and function as a natural tooth, and you care for it just as you do your natural teeth.

A dental bridge lasts an average of ten years, but depending on how well it’s made and taken care of, it can last longer. A bridge requires that the teeth on either side of the missing one be shaved down to accommodate porcelain crowns. An implant requires no work on adjacent teeth. Care must be taken to floss around and beneath a dental bridge.

If your budget permits, you will be thrilled with the completely natural-looking and long-lasting results of a dental implant. If you choose an implant, be sure that a skilled implant dentist is performing the surgery, and ensure that an experienced cosmetic dentist provides the implant crown.

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Sensitivity with my dental bridge

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I have a dental bridge and noticed lately when I brush or eat sweets, the back tooth in the bridge gets sensitive. What could be the problem?

How long have you had the dental bridge? If you received it recently, it’s normal for it to be sensitive for several weeks. If you’ve had the bridge for a while, a cavity could be developing or there may be plaque buildup that is leading to the beginning stages of gum disease.

You should have the dental bridge examined by your dentist. Early treatment can prevent the problem from progressing. A dental bridge should be thoroughly brushed and flossed. Ensure that you floss around and beneath the dental bridge to remove food debris, so that bacteria and plaque won’t build and cause an infection.

This post is sponsored by accredited Lowell cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

I think my tooth is cracked

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Two weeks ago I mistakenly bit down on something hard that should not have been in the food I was eating. I was sure that my tooth was broken. My tongue was bleeding on that side of my mouth. I went to the dentist the next day. She took x-rays and said that everything looked fine. I took ibuprofen for several days and it felt a little better. This week my tooth started throbbing. I really think it is cracked. Should I go back to the dentist? – Rob

Rob – At times, when I tooth is first traumatized, the damage doesn’t immediately show up on an x-ray. You should make an appointment with your dentist to have your tooth examined again.

If you are getting an infection in the tooth, it will require a root canal treatment and a porcelain crown to prevent it from breaking. The nerve in the tooth will eventually die, blood will no longer flow to the tooth, and it will become weak. The crown protects the tooth.

If the root of the tooth is fractured, the tooth cannot be saved. It will need to be replaced with a dental implant or a dental bridge.

See your dentist to get an accurate diagnosis and to find out your treatment options.

This post is courtesy of Lowell cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.