MODERN RESTORATIONS
Lakeridge Dentistry practices restorative dentistry in order to treat conditions that can become painful and bothersome in the teeth, gums, and maxillofacial areas. No matter if you have a cracked or chipped tooth, or need a full mouth restoration, we offer everything from tooth-coloured fillings and crowns to bridges and dentures. Using the latest, state-of-the-art technology, your restored smile can now look more natural than ever before.
Dental Crowns
If your tooth has been damaged but not lost, a good restorative option is a crown. Used to restore the shape, appearance and function of damaged teeth, crowns or caps are hollow, artificial teeth used to cover your damaged or decayed teeth. You may need a crown if you have a broken tooth, a filling in your tooth or a root canal. Crowns restore the teeth and protect them from further damage. They can also be used to cover discoloured or misshapen teeth. Teeth that have been fixed with crowns look and work very much like your natural teeth.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. It is literally a bridge that extends across a gap in your smile and is typically made up of an artificial tooth fused between 2 crowns. The bridge is held firmly in place by your natural teeth on each side of the gap, or by dental implants. A bridge is permanent and cannot be removed.
Types of Bridges
There are several different types of dental bridges. Your dentist from Lakeridge Dentistry will recommend the most appropriate one for you, depending on the location of your missing tooth (or teeth) and the condition of your remaining teeth, mouth and gums.
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Traditional: Traditional bridges are used if you have natural teeth on each side of the gap where the tooth is missing. As an alternative to a bridge, your dentist may suggest an implant to replace a single missing tooth between 2 healthy teeth because an implant will prevent you from having to get your healthy teeth filed down in preparation for the crowns.
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Implant: Implant bridges are used if your remaining teeth aren’t healthy, if you don’t have enough teeth to support a bridge or when several or all of your teeth are missing. With an implant bridge, dental implants are first surgically fused to your jawbone. Next, a custom-made bridge is anchored to the dental implants.
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Resin-bonded bridges: Also known as "Maryland" bridges, resin-bonded bridges are used when your missing teeth are in the front of your mouth. To ensure this type of bridge is sturdy, it involves artificial teeth being fused to metal bands and cemented to the back of your natural teeth.
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Cantilever: Cantilever bridges are used when you have healthy teeth on only one side of your missing tooth or teeth. This procedure involves anchoring an artificial tooth over one or more of your natural adjacent teeth.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
No matter what type of dental bridge you have, if you take good care it, it should generally last for about 10 years. Like natural teeth, bridges need to be brushed and flossed every day to maintain your oral hygiene. Your dentist will show you how to properly floss under and around your artificial tooth (or teeth) in the middle of the bridge. If you have an implant bridge, your dentist will show you how to properly care for them. Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings are also important.
