You may have heard the phrase dental bridge but very few people actually know what they are. A dental bridge is a dental procedure used to restore the appearance of a knocked out or lost tooth. Teeth can be lost for many reasons ranging from a blow to the face or simply as the result of poor oral hygiene. This can often leave a big hole in the teeth that looks unattractive and can cause a build up of damaging plaque and bacteria. London SE1 dentists always recommend that you replace missing teeth as soon as possible, not just for the aesthetic results but also because it benefits the health of the teeth around it.

A dental bridge is one of the most successful ways of restoring a lost tooth, making the dental arc complete and restoring the functionality of a real tooth. The bridge is usually made up of two dental crowns, one on each side of the missing tooth, which support the bridging tooth (also known as a pontic, from the Latin word for bridge). The crowns are cemented in place and act as a strong and sturdy support for the pontic, which is secured with dental bonding and metal strips.

When set in place, the dental bridge will look and feel like a real tooth and if properly cared for, can last as long as fifteen years (although the average is closer to ten years). However, for over a decade you can be secure in the knowledge that your smile has been restored and that you can use all your teeth once more. Dental bridges are available at all dentists including your local London SE1 dentist.

Missing teeth can be a great source of embarrassment, especially when in a prominent position in the smile. They are very noticeable and can really knock a person’s self-confidence, even more so when the lost tooth has been the result of a sudden trauma or accident. But there are ways of replacing the teeth that are both very realistic and functional.

One of the most realistic ways to replace a lost tooth is a dental implant. This is the only kind of tooth replacement that restores the whole tooth from root to tip. Other dental prosthetics such as dental bridges and partial dentures only restores the tooth from the gum line and as a result are more prone to damage and are less sturdy. This can make it difficult to eat certain foods and can cause anxiety about breakages.

The implant itself is a smell titanium screw that is drilled directly into the jawbone. This sounds a lot more unpleasant than it actually is and the procedure is relatively painless. Once secured into the jaw, the implant is left for some weeks or months to fuse with the gum tissue and bone. When this is complete the dentist will then attach a post and ultimately an artificial crown which is usually made of porcelain. This closely resembles the colour and consistency of other teeth for a greater degree of realism.

Dental implants are a lot more solid because they are anchored to the jaw just like real teeth. Unlike other dental substitutes they can last a whole lifetime without needing to be replaced. South East London dentists can assess suitability for implants at your next appointment and also give some guide as to their cost. But whatever the price, it is surely worth it to restore the appearance of your smile.