Dr. Stephen A. Price

NORTHERN VIRGINIA GENERAL DENTISTRY &
INVISALIGN PREMIER PROVIDER

Call today for your free no obligation consultation: (703)-935-2879

6035 BURKE CENTRE PKWY | SUITE #200 | BURKE, VA 22015

What to Do if You Lose a Tooth

What to Do if You Lose a Tooth

Unexpected surprises are an expected thing in this life. While we’d love for every surprise to put a smile on our face, this is a relatively unrealistic desire. Sometimes, the unexpected that happens actually makes us want to hide our smile. If you’re in hiding because of a missing tooth, you’re not alone. Statistics indicate that more than 120 million Americans have lost at least one tooth. Nearly 40 million have lost all of their natural teeth.

We wouldn’t expect it to make you feel better about your predicament to know that others may be in the same boat. What can make you feel better is knowing that dentistry has expanded in its abilities to prevent and treat tooth loss with long-lasting solutions.

An Ounce of Prevention

It has long been said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. A more modern phrase is that prevention is the best medicine. When it comes to dental and general health, this is true. It is much less stress and much more productive to undergo regular checkups that can catch problems before they cause severe damage to the teeth, gums, and supportive ligaments and bone. If you haven’t seen the dentist in the last six months, we invite you to contact us now to arrange your checkup and cleaning. We assure you we will prioritize your comfort and peace of mind during your visit.

Undoing Damage

Once a tooth or the gums have been damaged, it is difficult to reverse the injury that has occurred. Should you suffer deep inflammation or infection that can only be remedied with tooth extraction. Your dentist will discuss ways to at least undo the effects of tooth loss. Common solutions are to bridge the gap between two natural teeth or to implant new structures where the missing tooth once sat. In either situation, patients appreciate a natural-looking restoration that can last for years.

Getting the Smile Back Together

When there is a divide between two teeth, Dr. Price may design a dental bridge to fill the empty space. A bridge fits over two natural teeth at the edges and situates an artificial tooth in the space in between. This treatment can also be performed if the missing tooth was at the very back of the mouth. To fill the gap, a cantilever bridge that fits over only one tooth can be made.

If tooth loss is more substantial, dentures may be a good option for bringing the smile back to an attractive, functional state. Dentures have improved over time and now look and feel much more natural than they once did. Conventional dentures are fixtures that fit over the gums. For a stable bite, it is necessary to get the ideal fit, which can take periodic adjustments.

With an eye for the long haul, more patients are choosing to incorporate dental implants into their tooth-replacement treatment. Dental implants can be used along with crowns to replace individual teeth or with dentures to secure a larger restorative fixture.

Tooth loss doesn’t have to be the end of your healthy, happy smile. Call our Burke office at (703)-935-2879 to schedule your consultation to discuss tooth replacement.

Bridges 101

A large gap in the smile is not good for your look. Did you know that a large gap in between any teeth, even those at the back of the mouth, could also degrade your smile? The mouth is not built for gaps. Teeth are made to butt-up to one another to achieve optimal physical appearance, chewing function, and speech. A smile with gaps is a smile that needs help. Here, we discuss how bridging the gap works.

What is Dental Bridge Treatment?

Dental bridges literally do bridge the gap between two teeth. There are three common bridges that dentists use to achieve this. They include:

  • A traditional fixed bridge. Traditional bridges are used when a gap exists between two teeth. This type of bridge anchors to the neighboring teeth using dental crowns. The artificial tooth is suspended on the gums by these crowns.
  • The cantilever bridge. This type of bridge is sometimes used when there is only one neighboring tooth next to a gap. The cantilever bridge has one crown, which anchors to that neighboring tooth. The false tooth is bonded to the crown to hold it in place.
  • The Maryland bridge. This type of crown is not used as frequently today as it used to be due to advances in dental technology. The Maryland bridge does not use dental crowns to secure an artificial tooth, it uses metal wings that wrap discretely around neighboring teeth.

Bridges, Dentures, and Implants: What’s the Difference?

With so many dental techniques available today, it can be challenging to know which is right for you. At the same time, it is important to differentiate between various treatments to ensure you get the long-term results you deserve.

Dental bridges and dental implants are “fixed” types of restorations. they are intended to stay in place for many years. Dentures, on the other hand, are removable. The artificial teeth of a denture are not bonded or attached to other teeth in any way. Dental implants are root replacements, not tooth replacements. Situated in the jawbone in a minor surgical procedure, dental implants are intended as a new foundation for artificial teeth, such as crowns and bridges and, yes, dentures.

A dental bridge are an affordable option that provides good stability for chewing and speaking. This restoration can last 10 to 15 years with good care but may eventually need to be replaced due to wear and tear.

Is your smile in need of restoration? We can help. Contact our Burke office at (703)-935-2879 to schedule a visit with Dr. Price.

How Can I Replace Damaged or Missing Teeth?

Tooth damage is sometimes unavoidable, as is tooth loss. In our Burke office, patients of Dr. Price can explore several restorative options to get their smile back. The tooth replacement options that are used today each seek to improve the appearance of the smile after tooth loss. Additionally, modern restorations are affixed in a way that also restores optimal chewing function. Here, we discuss a few of the common ways in which teeth can be replaced.

Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that can replace up to a few teeth that sit side-by-side. Various dental bridge options exist, including what is called a cantilever bridge that attaches to only one natural tooth rather than two. A standard dental bridge has two crowns with one or more artificial teeth in between. The crowns are cemented to natural teeth to stabilize chewing, bite, and speech.

Dentures

Dentures are typically removable, stabilized either by dental adhesive or clasps. A partial denture may look somewhat like a dental bridge, with lifelike artificial teeth and a small acrylic “gum.” Partial dentures attach to adjacent teeth with hidden clasps and are removed regularly for cleaning. A full denture sits on top of the gums and is made to fit in a way that provides natural suction to hold artificial teeth and gums in place. In many instances today, patients choose to combine full dentures with dental implants.

Dental Implants

This form of tooth replacement is not a treatment in and of itself. Dental implants are a base for a crown, a bridge, or a denture. Implants are very small cylinders made of titanium. Their role is to sit in the jawbone where natural roots once existed. With implants, we not only gain full stability for artificial teeth but we also recreate the stimulating structure that is necessary to prevent accelerated bone loss.

Learn More About Tooth Replacement

Each tooth replacement technique has advantages and disadvantages. To learn more about these options, schedule a consultation in our Burke office at (703)-935-2879.

Traditional Bridge or Implant-Supported Bridge: What’s the Difference, Anyway?

Dental Bridges | Burke, VA

Tooth replacement used to be so cut-and-dry. Lose a tooth and have a bridge installed. Dental bridges have been around for a long time but are no longer the only treatment option. In our Burke office, patients may consider the pros and cons of a traditional bridge versus an implant-supported bridge. Here, we discuss the particulars of each to help you make the most educated decision when the time comes to restore function to your smile.

The Traditional Bridge

A traditional dental bridge is a restorative fixture that consists entirely of artificial structures. A fixed bridge has two dental crowns and one or more pontics. These different types of artificial teeth look the same, but are slightly different. A crown looks like a tooth but is hollow in the center so it can be placed over an existing tooth. A pontic looks like a tooth and is solid all the way through because it sits in place over the gums. The bridge is made in a dental lab, where individual crowns and pontics are fused together. In the office, the bridge is set into place and secured with bonding material that allows natural teeth to anchor the fixture via the custom-fit dental crowns.

The Implant-Supported Bridge

By appearance alone, an implant-supported bridge may look very similar to a traditional bridge, featuring lifelike artificial teeth. However, in an implant-supported structure, all artificial teeth are pontics, no crowns are needed because the restoration is secured onto one or two dental implants. This restorative fixture may be ideal when two or more adjacent teeth need to be replaced. Dental implants are tiny posts that are inserted into the jawbone in a minor surgical procedure. A local anesthetic numbs the area, making implant insertion completely comfortable.

Which Dental Bridge is Right for You?

It is nice to have options in dental care, but more than one choice also means more decisions to be made. The best way to know which type of dental bridge will best serve your needs is to consult with Dr. Price in our Burke office. A thorough examination of your oral anatomy will provide the information needed to ensure your gums and jawbone would hold the small implant posts. Clear, detailed information about the longevity and durability of each bridge option is provided to you at this visit to help you make the most educated and confident decision about your dental treatment.

Call (703)-935-2879 to schedule your visit with us.

An Introduction To Dental Bridges

open mouthFind out more about dental bridges and learn how they can preserve your smile and protect your mouth.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a device that us used to correct the gap between missing teeth. It is a dental prosthetic that consists of two crowns—one crown is anchored to each side of the gap. In between these crowns, a false tooth is placed in the gap. If it is a large gap multiple false teeth may be used.

Why are dental bridges important?

There are a few benefits of using dental bridges. Some of these benefits include:

  • A dental bridge will make it easier for you to eat and drink normally
  • When there is a gap in your mouth, the rest of your teeth could become misaligned. A dental bridge can prevent further problems from developing.
  • Sometimes missing teeth can make it difficult to speak or pronounce certain sounds. A dental bridge can make it easier to talk normally.
  • It can be embarrassing to have a gap in your smile. Correcting the gap with a dental bridge can improve your appearance and make you feel more confident.

What are your options?

In most cases, Dr. Price uses a fixed bridge. This type of bridge is one of the most common types used. It is partially cemented into place unlike partial dentures that can be removed. This makes the bridge stronger and longer lasting.

Patients can choose between porcelain, alloyed metals, and gold when getting a dental bridge. Most patients make a decision based on their aesthetic preferences and their budget.

What is the procedure like?

Having dental bridges installed requires two visits. During the first visit an impression will be made of your teeth and this impression will be used to create the bridge. You’ll be given a temporary bridge while you wait for the permanent one to be finished. Once the permanent bridge is ready, you’ll come in for a second visit. The bridge will be installed during the second visit and adjusted for comfort. In some cases, patients come in for follow up visits to monitor the condition of the bridge.

If you’d like to learn more about dental bridges, schedule an appointment with Dr. Price.

 

 

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