Bridge vs Implant
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic device that is used to replace one or more missing teeth. It “bridges” the gap by using the adjacent teeth as support, which are either crowned or fitted with a dental abutment to hold the bridge in place. The replacement tooth, or pontic, fills the space left by the missing tooth.
A dental implant is a permanent solution to missing teeth. It involves placing a titanium post into the jawbone, which serves as a replacement root for the missing tooth. Once the implant has fused with the bone (a process known as osseointegration), a crown is placed on top to complete the restoration.
Filling vs Crown
A dental filling is a common treatment used to repair cavities caused by tooth decay. During this procedure, your dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth and fills the empty space with a material designed to restore the tooth’s shape, strength, and functionality.
A dental crown, also known as a “cap,” is a tooth-shaped covering that is placed over a tooth to restore its size, shape, strength, and appearance. Crowns are used when a tooth is severely damaged, weakened, or cracked, or when a large filling would compromise the tooth’s integrity.
Gingivitis and Periodontal (Gum) Disease
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums and is often a precursor to periodontal disease which is inflammation of the supporting structures of your teeth (gums, bone, ligaments). Both are fairly common and can negatively affect the longevity of your teeth but can be managed and treated successfully. Frequent x-rays and exams are important to monitor the condition. Periodontal disease may require scaling and root planing rather than a regular cleaning.
Cracked Teeth
Cracked teeth are never a good thing and can range from a small chip to a complete break at the gum line. Depending on your situation your tooth could be repaired with a filling or bonding or may need a crown. Sometimes the crack extends towards the nerve of the tooth and root canal therapy may be necessary. Occasionally, if the crack is very large or near the root surface the tooth may need to be extracted. If you feel that you have a cracked tooth, contact the office so that we can schedule treatment and help make you comfortable.
