Get Implants for Your Bridge at Our Victoria Dental Office

When you’re missing a single tooth, Dr. Crapo & Associates will usually suggest one of the following two options: a single crown supported by a dental implant or a traditional dental bridge.

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What’s a Dental Bridge?

Picture the Capilano Suspension Bridge: it floats above the Capilano River and is firmly connected to the ground on each end. Similarly, when you’re missing a tooth, your dentist will create a floating tooth and attach it to the teeth on either side of the gap. That’s why the restoration is called a bridge.

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Traditional Dental Bridges

A traditional, three-unit bridge is a restoration made up of a pontic—a false porcelain tooth—which is connected by two abutments—tooth caps which are cemented onto the adjacent teeth. The pontic itself doesn’t have a root, which is why it has to be held up by its neighbouring teeth. Although dental bridges supported by natural teeth are a common way to replace a single missing tooth, implants are a wonderful alternative.

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Implant-Supported Dental Bridges

If you’re missing several teeth, we might recommend an implant-supported dental bridge. To create the base of the bridge, we’ll insert small titanium screws called implants into your jaw bone. These implants will serve as the abutments or anchors for a bridge. This procedure allows us to replace several missing teeth at once without having to create individual implants for each missing tooth.

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Whether or not traditional or implant-supported bridges are appropriate for you depends on many factors, including how healthy your bone, gums, and teeth are. Book a consultation with us today to find out more about implants and bridges.

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Dental implants

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Dental implant technology has made significant advancements and is now a durable tooth replacement option that restores the function and esthetics of missing teeth.

 

The implant fixture is a titanium screw surgically embedded into the jawbone, serving as the artificial tooth root. Titanium’s biocompatibility allows the bone to fuse with the implant through osseointegration, providing a stable foundation. This can take several months.

 

The crown, typically made of ceramic or porcelain, is the visible portion of the implant, resembling a natural tooth. Its colour, shape and size are customized to match adjacent teeth, ensuring a seamless smile.

 

Dental implants offer several advantages over bridges or dentures. They provide unparalleled stability, preventing bone loss and maintaining facial structure. Implants also prevent neighbouring teeth from shifting into the gap left by a missing tooth. Additionally, titanium is bacteria-resistant, so the risk of infection is negligible.

 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about dental bridges and implants that we receive at our dental clinic in Victoria, B.C.:

 

What’s the main difference between dental bridges and implants?

 

Dental bridges involve anchoring an artificial tooth between adjacent natural teeth, while implants use a titanium screw implanted into the jawbone to support an artificial tooth. Bridges rely on neighbouring teeth for support, while implants act as independent, stable replacements.

 

Are dental implants suitable for everyone?

 

Not everyone is an ideal candidate for dental implants. Factors such as overall health, jawbone density and gum health play a crucial role. A thorough assessment by a dentist or oral surgeon is necessary to determine individual suitability for implant surgery.

 

How long does getting dental implants take, from start to finish?

 

The timeline for dental implants varies but generally takes several months. Initial consultation and planning, implant placement surgery and a healing period for osseointegration are involved, which can take four to six months. The final step, attaching the crown, occurs once the implant fully integrates into the jawbone.

 

Do dental bridges require special care compared to natural teeth?

 

While dental bridges don’t demand extraordinary care, maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial. Regular brushing, flossing and professional dental cleanings help prevent decay and ensure the bridge’s longevity. Proper care can extend the lifespan of dental bridges.

 

Are dental implants permanent?

 

With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. Maintenance involves routine oral hygiene practices, regular dental check-ups and avoiding habits like smoking, which may compromise the health of the implant and surrounding tissues.

 

Are dental implants painful?

 

Most patients report minimal pain during the implant procedure. The implant placement process is performed under local anesthesia, so the treated area is numb. After surgery, patients may experience mild soreness or discomfort, which is typically managed with over-the-counter pain.

 

Dental bridges and implants in Victoria, B.C.

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At Dr. Crapo & Associates, we’ll assess your oral needs and recommend the best tooth restoration procedure. Contact us today to request an appointment at our dental clinic in Victoria, B.C.

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