General Dentistry

 

 

Bridges

When teeth are missing and there are teeth on either side of the space a bridge is the ideal way to replace the missing teeth. When there has been the loss of a tooth or teeth and there is a tooth on either side of the open space, replacement teeth can be attached to two crowns constructed for the 2 teeth on either side of the open space. This is called a bridge because it bridges the open space.

When a tooth is lost 5 or more other teeth may drift so it is essential to place a replacement tooth as soon as possible. The space left from missing teeth may cause one of several problems. Teeth may drift into the space changing your bite; this changed bite may result in sore jaws, gum disease, or decay (due to more difficult hygiene).

A fixed bridge is used to replace one or several teeth. The tooth on each end of the space is used to as anchors (abutments). Bridges are not removable by the patient. As with other types of crowns (caps), a bridge can be made of metal or porcelain, or a combination of these two.

To prepare a bridge, diagnostic models are taken to study the optimum way to perform this procedure. After studies are completed, the teeth used to attach the bridge are carefully reshaped. Impressions are taken and from these impressions, a certified dental technician makes the bridge. This laboratory time is usually 2 to 3 weeks - during this time a temporary acrylic bridge is cemented to place.

 

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Crowns

Do you have large stained fillings? Do you have existing crowns that are dark at the gum line or look unnatural? Crowns have been used in dentistry for many years. A crown may be indicated for the following reasons:

• The tooth has a large cavity.
• The tooth has had root canal therapy.
• The tooth has a large, filling, leaving the remaining tooth weakened.
• To replace a failing or unsightly existing crown.
• For alignment of teeth or closing large gaps between them.

Crowns can be made of several different materials each of which may be indicated for different situations:

• Gold
• Porcelain Fused to Metal (A metal substructure with a porcelain covering)
• All-Ceramic (Porcelain with no metal)

The trend is towards reducing or eliminating metal in dentistry. The All-Ceramic Crowns are state of the art. They appear very natural and have the advantage of being bonded to the tooth for strength. Since there is no metal substructure, they don't have the "black line syndrome" at the gum line.

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Dental Implants

In many situations, dental implants can give back patients their confident smile. The benefits are improved esthetics, the ability to eat comfortably and a clean, healthy oral environment for the patient.

Dental Implants are small prosthetic posts that are placed into the bone of the upper or lower jaw. They act as replacements for the root portion of lost natural teeth and also serve as an anchor for replacement teeth. Dental implants look and feel exactly like natural teeth -- in fact, no one other than you and your doctor will be able to tell the difference. Dental implants are appropriate for almost anyone who is currently missing teeth or is at risk of losing teeth.

There are many different types of dental implants available. Dr. Farmer has extensive experience in dental implants and would be pleased to discuss the benefits of implant prosthetics with you. Ask about implant restorative treatment at the time of your consultation.
 

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Fillings

In view of the evidence pointing to the problems with amalgam (silver) fillings you would have to be as mad as a hatter to leave them in your mouth. Silver fillings actually have less silver than mercury in them. In fact, with over fifty percent mercury, five percent copper and two percent tin, silver fillings typically have only 30-35% silver. More and more studies show the benefits of porcelain or gold fillings over mercury fillings.

The safety of both the patient and the dentist are factors in the much-needed switch away from amalgam fillings. The Canadian Dental Association has cautioned dentists to prevent contact with silver fillings. Yet the Canadian Dental Association continues to support the idea that there are no ill effects of putting these same fillings in your mouth allowing contact twenty-four hours a day. There are no known problems with placing conventional porcelain or gold fillings in your mouth because they are non-toxic, completely biocompatible, and are safe to use.