Bridges are used to replace missing teeth. The teeth in front of and behind the space are crowned with a false tooth attached between them. The bridge is permanently cemented, giving you the appearance that a tooth was never missing.
A Dental Implant is a titanium screw that is placed in the jaw bone where a tooth once was and it acts as an anchor for a crown, bridge or denture. The titanium implant literally fuses to the bone over the course of a 4-6 month healing period. A crown is placed on the titanium "root," which looks and feels like a natural tooth. Dental Implants are an excellent option for tooth replacement because they are the most conservative and predictable way to replace missing teeth. Implants are immune to decay, very durable and nothing has to be attached to your existing teeth. If you are missing a tooth or have one that needs to be removed, ask about implants. They most closely replace natural teeth.
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A Crown or a "cap" is used to restore a badly broken down tooth or strengthen a tooth that has a large filling in it. A "cap" and a crown are the same thing. A crown is usually made up of a precious metal with porcelain baked on top of it, so it looks like a natural tooth. At the first appointment, the tooth has to be prepared for the crown by removing the enamel, then an impression of the tooth is made, and a temporary crown is put in place. The crown is made at a dental laboratory, and in a few weeks, the patient returns for their second appointment to have the crown permanently cemented. Once the crown is cemented into place, it fully encompasses the remaining tooth structure, thus reinforcing the tooth. The tooth is restored to its natural beauty and is strengthened to protect it against a lifetime of chewing forces.
Root canal treatment is indicated when the pulp of the tooth has become either inflamed, infected or necrotic (died). These can be caused by multiple dental procedures, a cracked tooth or deep decay. Also, facial trauma such as a sports injury or auto accident may inflame or kill the pulp without actually breaking the exterior of the tooth.
Periodontal therapy treats gums with deep teeth cleaning, therapeutic agents and/or possibly surgery. Of course, regular maintenance visits are done to prevent gum disease and make sure our patients' oral hygiene is up to par. If a gum problem needs complex treatment, we are networked with some exceptional periodontists (gum specialists).
