The Best Solution for You
Dental bridge work or dental teeth implants; which works best? Dental bridges are alternatives to dental implants. The best choice for you depends on an assessment of your teeth. Talk to our dentists at Meadows Gate Dental for an assessment and to develop the best solution for your needs.
What are Fixed Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a fixed and non-removable appliance to replace missing teeth. Bridges are an alternative to dental implants. There are three types of dental bridges (see below). When you come for your assessment we will discuss the best options for your particular case.
Dental bridges are highly durable and last for a long period of time however, sometimes they may need to be replaced or need to be re-cemented if loosened during normal wear.
Reasons for a Fixed Bridge:
A traditional bridge is very popular and it is used where there are teeth on either side of the missing tooth (or tooth to be removed). This method requires creating a ‘pontic’ (which is a ‘false’ tooth), placing two crowns on the adjacent anchor teeth, and then attaching and filling the gap. The bridge is typically made of either porcelain or ceramics.
A cantilever bridge is where there are no adjacent teeth on one side of the area to be bridged.
A resin-bonded bridge (also known as a Maryland bridge) is made of plastic and is supported by a metal frame; the metal ‘wings’ on each side of the pontic are bonded to the teeth on each side.
To fill the space of missing teeth or fill the space that will be created by the necessary removal of damaged and/or decayed teeth.
To maintain your facial shape; where missing teeth impact the face’s shape.
To prevent remaining teeth from moving out of their fixed position.
To restore and/or improve your ability to chew
To improve your ability to speak clearly (if impacted by missing teeth).
To restore and/or improve your smile
To upgrade from a removable partial denture to a permanent dental appliance.
Procedure for Installing a Fixed Dental Bridge
- Initial assessment and x-rays
- Start of the work: provide ‘freezing or numbing’ (or alternative) of the area to be worked on. Prepare the two anchoring teeth by removing a portion of enamel to allow for a crown. Create a highly accurate impression (mold) to be sent to the dental laboratory where the bridge will be fabricated. A temporary bridge will be made and you will wear it for several weeks until your next appointment.
- At the next visit, your permanent bridge will be carefully checked, adjusted, and cemented to achieve a proper fit. Sometimes we may temporarily cement the bridge, allowing your teeth and tissue time to get used to the new bridge and permanently cement it in at a later date – after final adjustments.
We provide detailed future care instructions. Good oral hygiene is necessary for the life of your new permanent bridge. Regular dental visits and check-ups at Meadows Gate Dental will ensure that your bridge is also assessed during your visit.
Comprehensive exam · Dental x-rays · Gentle cleaning
Please start by filling out the new patient form in order to help us properly diagnose your immediate dental concerns, review your past medical and dental history, and create a treatment plan that provides for your optimal dental health.
We will complete a thorough evaluation and contact you.
Dental Teeth Implants
Dental implants are an alternative to dental bridges, are a good way to replace missing teeth, and provide a fixed solution to having removable partial or complete dentures. Implants provide longer-life support and stability for these dental appliances.
The dental implant procedure consists of surgically placing artificial roots and teeth (titanium) into the upper or lower jaw bone by your Meadows Gate Dental implant dentist. The teeth attached to implants are natural looking, strong, typically fit very well in your mouth, and can enhance or restore your smile and your bite.
Dental implants are strong, stable, and durable and will last many years. Over time, they may have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal or excessive wear.
Reasons for Dental Implants:
To replace missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
To resolve jaw joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into the open space created by the missing tooth.
To restore or improve your smile.
To aid in effective chewing and digestion.
To assist with clarity of speech.
To enhance or restore facial shape that has been affected by the missing tooth or teeth.
To provide support to a bridge or denture.
Dental Implants Procedure
This process will take several visits and several months to complete.
- Jaw and teeth x-rays and impressions (molds) are required at the start to assess the space, bone, teeth and gum tissue, and to determine the best solution.
- Provide ‘freezing or numbing’ (or alternative) of the area to be worked on. The implant will be surgically placed into the bone. It will need to heal and integrate into the bone for a period of up to six months.
- Depending on the type of implant, a second surgery may be required to place the “post” that will hold the artificial tooth or implant in place. If not necessary, the post and anchor are attached and placed at the same time.
- After several weeks of healing, the artificial teeth are made and fitted to the post portion of the anchor. It is likely that several fittings are required because adjustments over time will be necessary. This may take one to two months to complete.
- After healing, the artificial tooth or teeth are securely attached to the implant, providing you with both stability and comfort.
We provide detailed future care instructions. Good oral hygiene is necessary for the life of your new dental implant. Regular dental visits at Meadows Gate Dental will ensure that your dental implant is also assessed during your visit.
Hear from our patients
An absolutely amazing team of people here. I have never felt so comfortable going to a dentist as I do with meadow gate :) I highly recommend this practise to anyone looking for a respectable team to care for your oral problems. Definitely a 10/10 for me and will recommend them to anyone who asks!
– Heidi
See You Soon
Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call (604)459-3112.
Our Office
Our modern and growing dental care facility is located in Pitt Meadows. Our entire team is dedicated to providing you with personalized, gentle care. Our dentists are not only caring and compassionate, but highly trained in all aspects of dentistry. We strive to deliver the best care possible, while making your visit both a soothing and serene experience. We are
open on Saturdays and provide
Emergency care
for your dental needs.
Hours
- Mon - Tue
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- Wed - Thu
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- Friday
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- Saturday
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- Sunday
- Closed
