Dental implants are true marvels of modern dentistry. An implant is a tiny cylinder made of a strong biocompatible material. In a brief surgical procedure, it is precisely placed into the jawbone to replicate the root of a missing tooth. Dental implants serve a number of roles, as stand alone restorations and to stabilize dentures. For most patients, an implant is a sensible long term solution to replace a missing tooth. It is not, however, their only option. Dr. Don Jones of Social Circle Dental explains alternatives for those who are not good candidates for implants or simply don’t choose that method.

Dental Bridges

Imagine if our country’s infrastructure did not include bridges. There’d be no easy way to cross a waterway or highway by vehicle. That would seriously impair the function of our interconnecting system of roads. Your teeth are also designed to perform together. When one is missing, chewing functionDentures, appearance, and overall oral health are negatively impacted. A dental bridge spans the gap to keep your mouth operating efficiently.

A bridge can be used to restore a single missing tooth or up to three consecutive teeth. It consists of a pontic or artificial tooth, held in place by crowns cemented onto the teeth adjacent to the space.

A bridge is not removable, so a little extra attention is needed to keep it clean. While the pontic and crowns cannot develop decay, natural dentition under the crowns and throughout the rest of the mouth can. Soft tissues around the crown can also develop gum disease without proper hygiene. Dr. Jones instructs patients on the best brushing and flossing techniques. Twice a year examinations allow his hygiene team to deep clean the mouth a deep cleaning, and give Dr. Jones a chance to inspect your bridge thoroughly.