I work as a clerical assistant in a pediatric dental office, and I am commonly surprised by the number of children who are scared of the dentist. Many kids think that cleanings will be painful, and they believe they will be scolded for eating sugary foods. Children are also extremely frightful of the noises made by the water spraying tools and the suction devices. As adults, we know that dental cleanings are easy and free of pain. We need to impart this knowledge to our children so they know not to fear the dentist. I have provided blogs that will help you speak with your child about dental care. Good communication, trips to your own dentist, and online videos can assist you. So will good brushing techniques that will make your child proud to see the dentist. Enjoy my articles so you can help your child build oral care confidence.
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Mastering the Art of Dental Implants 8 February 2024
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The Profound Importance of Regular Dental Care 17 November 2023
Teaching Your Children About the Dentist
Implant Bridges: The Most Secure Way To Replace Multiple Missing Teeth
Alfred Kelley
A dental bridge is an efficient and almost unassuming way to replace multiple missing teeth. Say you're missing the left premolar and first molar from your lower set of teeth. The intact teeth on either side of the gap will be fitted with dental crowns and clasps. Then, the bridge (which is a string of prosthetic teeth that will replace your missing teeth) is connected to these intact, crowned teeth. The gap has been bridged. However, there can be a downside to replacing multiple missing teeth in this way.
The Gap
As effective as it can be, a traditional dental bridge has some drawbacks. This relates to the teeth on either side of the gap, reinforced with a crown to hold the bridge in place (these teeth then become abutment teeth). In order to fit dental crowns over these teeth, they must have some of their dental enamel removed. This is the problem that some patients may have with the procedure. As much as you need to have your missing teeth replaced, you might not be too keen on this irreversible and seemingly unavoidable removal of your dental enamel. Once these teeth have had their enamel removed, they must always host a crown.
Left Intact
You can have multiple teeth replaced with a dental bridge without the need to have abutment teeth. These teeth will be left perfectly intact, as your bridge will be secured with dental implants. Unlike single tooth dental implants (where an individual titanium rod is implanted into your jaw to support each tooth), implant bridges use just two implants—one at either side of the bridge's base.
More Stability
Not only will you avoid having otherwise perfectly healthy teeth permanently altered, but implant bridges offer more stability than traditional bridges. With a traditional bridge, bite pressure is absorbed by the bridge and its abutment teeth. Dental implants mimic teeth roots, meaning the pressure is absorbed by your jaw—just like a natural tooth. While traditional bridges can closely replicate the strength of natural teeth, they don't have a foundation and sit entirely on top of your gums. Dental implants simply offer greater stability, and in terms of your diet, they can handle anything a natural tooth can.
Although implant bridges require the surgical insertion of the implant's titanium alloy screw into your jaw (with some recovery time needed afterward), the natural feeling and strength of the bridge makes it a better choice in the long run. Your missing teeth will be replaced with an equivalent that looks and feels natural, while your other teeth don't need to be modified in any way.
Contact your dentist for more information about implant bridges.
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