Bridging the Gap: the Importance of Oral Health

Dental crowns and bridges are an effective means of restoring damaged or missing teeth

Oral health is incredibly important in the grand scheme of our overall health. Studies in Australia and overseas have shown that if gum disease is left untreated it can put you at risk of diabetes, stroke, heart attack and chronic kidney disease.

According to a survey by an overseas centre for disease control gingivitis may increase the risk of conditions such as heart disease and stroke because of the higher levels of bacteria in the body—the higher level of bacteria as a result of periodontal disease has also been linked to cardiovascular disease.

Missing teeth can be caused by (and can cause) gum disease, which is why it is important to replace missing teeth before further complications arise. However, if a tooth is chipped or cracked and can therefore be saved, it should. The best tooth is your natural tooth and if it can be saved with a crown than we strongly recommend you come see us at Just Smile in Sutherland Shire.

At Just Smile we offer crowns and bridges to help restore damaged or missing teeth…

Crowns are made of porcelain materials and imitate the look of your natural tooth enamel, which allows them to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Crowns are used to protect a damaged or chipped tooth. They are also used to strengthen a tooth after root canal treatment or a filling—because contrary to popular belief the aim of a root canal treatment is to save the tooth; it is in fact the reason a root canal treatment is performed; the pulp is cleaned out around the root and then the tooth is reinforced with a crown allowing you to maintain a healthy tooth: extraction is a last resort.

Crowns can also be used as part of a dental implant procedure—this involves a titanium screw being surgically inserted into the jawbone; because of the nature of the titanium screw it will fuse with the jawbone acting as an artificial tooth root for a crown or bridge.

Dental crowns encase the entire tooth. The sturdy porcelain restoration effectively protects the tooth from further damage. Crowns are custom-made to your unique specifications (the colour and shade of the porcelain crown is colour matched to your natural teeth) using highly durable porcelain material. The procedure involved in creating a crown involves a mould being taken of your tooth which will then be used by our dental technician to create skilled fabrication of your tooth. Once the crown has been made it will be carefully bonded in place.

Bridges at Just Smile in Sutherland Shire…

Bridges literally bridge the gap left by one or more missing teeth. Dental implants can be supported by either by crowns on either side of the gap; these teeth are called abutment teeth. The other option is that bridges can be supported by dental implants. Like dental crowns, dental bridges are made from highly durable natural-looking porcelain material which is colour matched to your natural teeth.

Once the dental bridge has been manufactured, it will be fitted and carefully examined to ensure a perfect fit and colour match before one of our highly skilled dentists permanently secure the dental bridge in place.

For more information on our crowns and bridges procedures, or to book an appointment at our conveniently located dental practice in Ramsgate, please do not hesitate to contact us.