Implant Dentist, Dr. Bradley Oliver

In the vast field of dentistry, the one procedure that is gaining immense popularity is that of dental implants. Implants are giving new hope to those who have lost their teeth due to various reasons. It allows them a chance to have new teeth which are just like real ones and don’t look artificial.

Dental implants are basically fixing artificial tooth roots into the jawbone. These implants are made of titanium and take several months to heal and fuse properly with the tissue and bone. Once this is done, the crown can be fixed so that the missing tooth is replaced. These implants are permanent and require regular care like brushing and flossing.

There are several types of dental implants that can be fixed. One type is the root-form implant (also known as Endosteal implants). This type of implant is fixed directly into the jawbone. Root-form titanium implants can be screw or plate type implants. In both types the implant is first attached to the jawbone and allowed to fuse. After the gum tissue heals, another surgery is performed in which the artificial teeth are fixed.

Root-form titanium implants can be used for individual teeth replacements as well as for several teeth, in which case dentures or bridges are used to fill in the gaps. Whatever the type used, dental implants are successful in returning people’s smiles.

A dental bridge is more or less like a concrete bridge which connects two landmasses separated by a river or deep valleys. With age or due to tooth decay people lose teeth. Also there are many circumstances in which one has to undergo tooth removal for cosmetic purposes or in order to prevent one or the other kind of infection spreading from one tooth to the other.

Such natural or artificial tooth removal in adults creates an empty space. Now this vacant space in your jaw not only looks bad when you open your mouth but also can lead to several diseases. This is where a dental bridge steps in. A dental bridge is just like a natural tooth with a specially designed crown. Dental bridges can be made from various types of materials and can even be used on the ends of the jaw where there is a supporting tooth only on one side.

Gaps in teeth apart from being visually unattractive also pose certain health issues like increased wearing of teeth, shrinkage of the jawbone, further drifting of the teeth, leaning of the teeth and even misalignment of teeth. Bridges are an effective and cost effective solution and helps effectively control all of the issues listed above with minimal maintenance and care.