The Dental Bridge Procedure: A Comparison of Two Techniques
Goduco Family Dentistry is a one-stop-shop for all of your dental needs, whether you require a simple refinement of your smile or a dramatic full-mouth restoration. For patients who are missing one or more of their natural teeth, we offer a comprehensive range of restorative dentistry treatments designed to return form, function, and health to the mouth. Among the most time-tested and highly effective of these treatments is the dental bridge.
In performing the dental bridge procedure at his Vernon Hills, IL practice, Dr. Philip V. Goduco can use one of two techniques. He can affix the dental bridge to the healthy natural teeth adjacent to a gap where teeth are missing via dental crowns, or he can attach the dental bridge to state-of-the-art dental implants. Both of these techniques will effectively make the patient’s smile whole again and help to restore his or her ability to bite, chew, speak, and smile with ease and confidence. The technique that is best suited to your particular case will depend on several factors, including your personal goals, the state of your mouth, and your budget.
If you are missing one or more of your natural teeth, it is imperative that you replace them as soon as possible. Please schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Goduco by contacting Goduco Family Dentistry today.
The Procedure: Fixed Dental Bridges
A conventional fixed dental bridge is composed of between one and three artificial teeth that are bookended by dental crowns. When these dental crowns are attached to the natural teeth on either side of a gap where teeth are missing, the artificial teeth fill the space to complete the smile. For the fixed dental bridge to be a viable option, the teeth to which the crowns will be attached must be strong and healthy enough to support the crowns. The one disadvantage of this technique is that these teeth must be filed down in order to accommodate the crowns prior to their placement.
The Procedure: Implant-supported Dental Bridges
Unlike fixed dental bridges, implant-supported dental bridges do not rely on natural teeth for support. Rather, they are attached to dental implants, tiny titanium posts that are surgically embedded into the jawbone. Because the human body does not recognize titanium as a foreign substance, the implants are able to fuse together with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. Once the implants and bone have fused together, the dental bridge can be secured to the implants. Dental implants provide exceptionally strong and durable support for dental bridges, plus they halt the degradation of the supportive gum and bone tissues that begins when teeth are lost. Patients emerge from treatment with fully restored oral health and function. The only disadvantage of implant-supported dental bridges compared to fixed dental bridges is their expense; however, over time, implant-supported restorations tend to be highly cost-effective.
Learn More about the Dental Bridge Procedure
To learn more about the dental bridge procedure, please contact Goduco Family Dentistry, your one-stop-shop for all of your dental needs, today.
