The replacement of missing teeth is an extension of restorative dentistry and this can involve the provision of dentures, bridgework or implants. A denture is a removable prosthesis and has to be taken out and cleaned, while bridges and implants are permanently cemented into the mouth and are cleaned as normal with the rest of the teeth.
Amalgam Fillings
Silver amalgam fillings have been used for over 150 years and have many advantages over other restorative materials such as low cost, strength, durability and bacteriostatic effects. Their main disadvantages are poor aesthetics and the presence of mercury in the material.
White Fillings
White fillings can look very natural as they are available in different shades to match your own natural tooth colour. There are now new materials available with properties comparable to silver amalgam and these are proving to be successful.
Inlays
Where a tooth is badly broken down it may need to be restored with an inlay, which is a filling that is much stronger because it is custom- made outside the mouth and cemented into place, or a crown which protects the whole of the tooth. Inlays and Crowns can be made in white (tooth - coloured) porcelain or gold where strength is paramount.
Crowns
A crown is an artificial restoration that fits over the remaining part of a prepared tooth, making it strong and giving it the shape of a natural tooth. It can be in a variety of materials which can be tooth - coloured (porcelain) or gold (where strength is paramount).
Dentures
A denture is a plate with a number of false teeth on it and can be all plastic (acrylic) or acrylic with a light metal base. The latter one is less bulky, more secure and stronger but is more expensive.
Bridges
Where there are only a few teeth missing and the other teeth are strong and have good bone support it may be possible to restore the gap with natural looking porcelain teeth.
Implants
Implants are an exciting and innovative method to replace missing teeth and we are very pleased to be able to offer to this service. A dental implant is a titanium metal rod which is placed into the jaw bone. It functions as an artificial tooth root and is used to support a replacement tooth or bridge.
Online Leaflets
If you want general information on a condition or treatment, go to the British Dental Health Foundation's web site where they have over 40 online leaflets.
Online Resource:
Want to find out about dental treatment? Want to know how to look after your teeth better? Visit the new BDA Smile web site.
3D Education:
Learn about dental anatomy, conditions, treatments and good oral health with the BDA's cutting edge 3D Educational web site.
