If you have a missing tooth or teeth and you haven’t had them replaced, it’s time to consider teeth restoration. A couple of the most common forms of restoration for missing teeth are dental crowns and dental bridges.
Below is more information about why you would need a teeth replacement, what dental crowns and bridges are, and more information about the services provided by Forest Hills Dental.
Why Do I Need a Dental Restoration?
There are a number of reasons why you should consider a dental restoration if you have one or more missing or damaged teeth. Below are a few top reasons:
- Avoid future oral health issues. What many people don’t consider when it comes to having a missing tooth or teeth is the oral health issues that come with the gap between teeth. Over time, teeth can shift. This leads to crooked teeth, crowding, and impacting. Once teeth shift out of place, it makes it that much more difficult to brush and floss. In turn, many patients end up with gum disease and/or tooth decay. Teeth replacements stop teeth from shifting, which decreases the chances of future oral health issues.
- Bite support. If you have a missing tooth or teeth—or if you have major damage to a tooth—you know that bite support can be an issue. A dental restoration provides you with the bite support you need to eat your favorite foods comfortably.
- Appearance. No one likes having a gap in their smile or a damaged tooth. Teeth replacements and repairs fill your smile in and can be made to closely match the surrounding teeth. This allows you to smile wide without feeling self-conscious.
What are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns (sometimes referred to as “dental caps”) are a tooth repair option that involves the placement of a false crown on a healthy tooth root. The prosthetic is placed securely on the natural portion of the tooth to provide support and improve the appearance of the tooth. By having a dental crown placed, you can lower your risk of additional oral health issues. They also make it easier to bite and chew.
There are different materials that dental crowns can be made from. Some materials can closely mimic the look of natural teeth. Speak with your dentist about the best replacement option to meet your needs.
Do I Need a Crown?
Yes. If you have a damaged crown and your dentist recommends a dental crown, you need one placed.
Some of the reasons your dentist may recommend a dental crown include:
- The repair of broken or cracked teeth
- The treatment of large cavities
- Root canal treatment
- Repairing severe wear or enamel erosion
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are prosthetics that are intended to replace one or more missing teeth. They provide excellent support and can last a long time if they are properly cared for. If a patient is unable to have a dental implant or multiple implants placed, a traditional dental bridge can be a good alternative.
In order to place a dental bridge, a dentist reshapes one or more natural teeth on one or both sides of the gap. This depends on the placement of the bridge. A single crown or multiple crowns are placed securely to hold the dental bridge in place.
Dental bridges are great both for practical and aesthetic purposes. They complete the look of a smile and provide additional bite support for the patient. They also help in the prevention of teeth migration.
Dental Implant Bridges
While dental bridges often involve the reshaping of teeth and the placement of a dental crown or crowns to hold the bridge in place, there is another option that may be available to the patient—a dental implant bridge. Implant bridges are a hybrid between dental implants and dental bridges, in that the prosthetic is attached to a dental implant or implants and bridges multiple teeth. This creates an additional level of support.
Why Forest Hills Dental?
There are a lot of dental offices to choose from in the area, so why Forest Hills Dental? There are a few reasons…
Dr. Mark has over 30 years of experience in the industry. With all of the experience he has, Dr. Mark is able to provide top-quality services with ease. Whether you have a missing tooth or teeth or you have suffered damage to a tooth or teeth, Dr. Mark can help. He will take a look and determine the best restoration method. From there, he will perform the restoration to perfection.
Forest Hills Dental offers different payment options for people of all income brackets. You deserve dental care, no matter what your background or economic status is.
General Services
In order to avoid the placement of a dental crown or bridge, there are a few things that you can do. The simplest is to remember to brush and floss twice a day, every day. This helps you to avoid forming a cavity and decay that can lead to the need for a replacement. On top of brushing and flossing, you’ll also want to visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning.
During a dental cleaning and checkup, your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, jawbone, and tongue to ensure you are healthy. If Dr. Mark notices any issues, he will schedule an appointment to address the issue. During your cleaning, your hygienist will clean your teeth and gums with professional equipment.
If it’s been a while since your last checkup and cleaning, don’t worry! We are happy to see you no matter what state your teeth and gums are in. If you do have an oral health issue, the sooner you get treatment the better.
Reach Out to Forest Hills Dental Today!
If you have a missing tooth or teeth, or you have a crown that has been damaged, reach out to Forest Hills Dental today for an examination. Dr. Mark will take a look and determine the best course of action to restore your smile.
