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Which Is Better, a Bridge or an Implant?

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Losing a tooth can be frustrating, and it can make it hard to speak clearly or eat the way you want. That said, choosing the right replacement doesn’t have to be difficult. The two most common options are dental bridges and implants. Both can restore your smile, but they each have their upsides and downsides. At Indiana Emergency Dental, we want to talk to you more about getting bridges and implants in Indianapolis and Bloomington, Indiana.

What Is a Bridge vs. an Implant?

Bridges and implants are slightly different (and sometimes can both be used at the same time).

  • A bridge uses the teeth on either side of the gap for support and “bridges” the gap between two teeth with a prosthetic.
  • A dental implant replaces the entire tooth—root and all—using a small titanium post that fuses with your jawbone. Two or more dental implants can be used to support a bridge, in some cases.

Which Option Is Best?

The answer is: It depends.

  • Bridges are great for quick results. They’re non-surgical and can usually be completed in two visits. The downside is that you have to put crowns on the teeth beside the gap, which does cause some damage.
  • Implants take a little longer to complete, but they are more durable and have a more natural feel. They replace your tooth’s root completely, which can help protect the jawbone.

Learn More About Bridges and Implants in Bloomington and Indianapolis, IN

Ready to replace your missing tooth? Contact us to schedule an appointment at Indiana Emergency Dental in Bloomington or Indianapolis, Indiana, at 1-463-276-0541. We are here to walk you through the options, so you understand how each works and what might be best for you.

3D illustration of dental implants in a lower jaw with a dental bridge being placed on top of the implants.

My Bridge Is Loose: What Should I Do?

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If you’re in Indianapolis or Bloomington, Indiana, and notice your dental bridge feels or has started to come loose, stay calm and call us at Indiana Emergency Dental. Bridges are permanent, but they can come loose over time or as a result of trauma or damage. Calling us ensures we can get you into the office to take a look and get it put back into position, repaired, or replaced.

Why Bridges Can Loosen

A dental bridge can shift and come loose for a few different reasons:

  1. The cement that holds it in place can wear down over time
  2. The teeth under the bridge can get damaged or decay, leading to gaps
  3. The bridge is very old and has lost its integrity

No matter what the reason is, our team is able to help when you come in for your appointment.

What To Do if Your Bridge Is Loose

If your bridge feels loose, you can take steps to help keep it in place until your appointment.

First, avoid chewing on that side until you can see your dentist. You should also try to keep the area clean; brush the bridge or teeth around it gently and rinse only with mouthwash or water.

This is not the time for a DIY fix. Don’t use glue or over-the-counter products to try to hold it in place, because you could cause damage or injury.

Call Indiana Emergency Dental for Bridge Repair in Bloomington and Indianapolis, Indiana

If your bridge feels loose, we can help you at Indiana Emergency Dental. We know how to correct a loose bridge, underlying issues, and the problems that could lead to difficulty with your bridge in the future. Call us today at 1-463-276-0541 to talk to our helpful staff.

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Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Dental Bridges

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As the world becomes increasingly aware of its environmental impact, sustainability is a pressing issue in every industry, including dental care. At Indiana Emergency Dental, we look for greener options in most things, including the materials used in dental bridges in Indianapolis, IN.

What Makes a Dental Bridge Sustainable?

There are two primary aspects in the creation of dental bridges that potentially impact the environment: materials and processing.

Sustainable Materials

For a material to be sustainable, it must be biocompatible or recyclable. Dentists have a variety of options when it comes to materials in both bridges and the posts that hold them in place. Zirconia, for example, is a ceramic, biocompatible material that can reduce the need for metal posts. Even if a metal such as titanium is the best choice, it is recyclable.

Biodental composites are becoming increasingly common for prosthetic teeth used in bridges as well. They are similar to traditional dental composites but come from natural sources. They also look and feel like regular teeth.

Digital Processing

One of the most significant eco-friendly upgrades to dental bridges is the use of digital processing. Using digital scanning and CAD software eliminates the need for a mold for your teeth.

Through digital processing, the scanner and software create more accurate designs for the dental bridge. That design is sent to another software program, which eventually directs it to a 3D printer, which fabricates the bridge.

Digital processing streamlines the process for same-day delivery as well. That means faster and even same-day restorations.

Benefits of Sustainable Dental Bridges

The crossover to sustainable dental bridges benefits both the practice and the patient. With a sustainable bridge, you enjoy:

  • Eco-friendly materials with no exposure to toxins and harsh chemicals
  • Fewer invasive dental procedures

The practice has lower operational costs, which we can pass on to our patients. We also do our part to reduce waste and conserve environmental resources.

If there is a dental bridge in your future, make it a sustainable one. Give our office a call today and set up an appointment with our dentist in Indianapolis, IN.

Person in blue clothing and purple gloves holding dental models: one shows a dental implant and teeth, the other shows a jaw with missing teeth.

Dental Bridge vs. Implant: Which Tooth Replacement is Right for You?

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A dental implant and a bridge are two reliable ways to fill the space a missing tooth leaves. Both do the same thing but use a different approach. Our staff for restorative dentistry in Indianapolis, IN, will work with you to decide the best option for your needs.

What Is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a titanium post that is inserted into the jawbone to anchor a prosthetic tooth. Once implanted, the post integrates with the bone and fuses, acting like a normal tooth root, giving the restoration a natural look and feel.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a restoration that bridges the gap between teeth when one or more teeth are missing. The bridge is the prosthetic teeth that fill this space, making your smile whole again.

There are two forms of attachments for a bridge: a dental implant or abutment teeth. Abutment teeth are the two teeth on either side of the gap. The restorative dentist in Indianapolis, IN, modifies these teeth and fits them with crowns that serve as anchors for the bridge.

Dental Bridge vs. Implant: Which Tooth Replacement is Right for You?

Either choice is practical. In some cases, you have both. Implants can serve as anchors for a dental bridge. Picking the right opportunity depends on several factors:

  • Budget— Dental implants can be more expensive than a bridge with abutment teeth.
  • Jaw health—For an implant to succeed, you must have enough healthy bone in your jaw to support it. If not, it might be possible to graft bone to secure the implant.
  • Timeline—Dental bridges are faster and take fewer trips to the office.

Implants can last longer than a dental bridge, so even if they are more of an investment, they might be a better prospect for a qualified candidate.

If you have one or more missing teeth, make an appointment with our restorative dentist in Indianapolis, IN, today to discuss your best choices.

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Life with a Dental Bridge: Tips for Eating, Cleaning, and Long-Term Care

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A dental bridge offers a natural-looking way to replace a missing tooth. If you’re new to life with a dental bridge, you may wonder how to best care for it. It’s an investment in your health, so maintaining it is critical. If something happens to your bridge, you may need emergency dental care in Indianapolis, IN.

What You Can Eat

The first consideration is diet. You can eat most of the same foods you’ve been enjoying for most of your life. You should avoid extra sticky foods like taffy, though. Also, hard, crunchy foods like nuts can cause damage to the bridge.

The best approach for eating with a dental bridge is to take small bites at a time. Cut the meat into small pieces to reduce the risk of damage and make it easier to chew. Also, take your time and chew the food thoroughly.

Opt for food that is not too hot or too cold. If you do eat something like ice cream, eat it slowly. This will allow you to minimize potential discomfort. Over time, your mouth will adjust to the dental bridge, and you can worry less about sensitivity.

Keeping It Clean

You’ll want to give your dental bridge the same care you give to all your teeth in your mouth. Brush at least twice a day, focusing on the prosthetic tooth or teeth in the bridge, the surrounding natural teeth, and the gumline.

You’ll also want to floss at least once a day. Pay attention to the area around and under the bridge to ensure you remove all debris. Flossing with threaders or interdental brushes is often the best approach.

Use an antibacterial mouthwash to help reduce plaque buildup around the bridge. This will keep that area free from bacteria that cause plaque.

Finally, make regular appointments with your dentist in Indianapolis, IN, to ensure the bridge remains stable.

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What to do if Your Dental Bridge Fails

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If your dental bridge fails, you should contact your emergency dentist in Bloomington, IN as soon as possible. A dental bridge isn’t supposed to fail, obviously, but it does happen, and usually when you least expect it. It can fail for a number of reasons, but when it does, the least of your worries is figuring out the cause. Here’s exactly what to do in this situation.

Stay Calm

First of all, this is not the apocalypse. These things happen, and they can happen even if you did everything right. The main thing to realize is that it can be fixed. Contact Indiana Emergency Dental and we’ll make things right as rain again.

Contact Your Dentist Immediately

This isn’t the time to get too relaxed, though. You should be dialing us as soon as possible to set up a day and time to come visit us and get this sorted out. In some cases, the bridge may simply need to be re-cemented, while in others, a replacement might be necessary. Don’t worry, though. We’ll get it done.

Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions

When you call, we’ll give you instructions on how to care for the affected area until your appointment. Just do as instructed and all will be well. Mostly we’ll tell you what to avoid and how to minimize damage.

Prevent Further Damage

Until your bridge is repaired or replaced, be mindful of your diet and avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth. Also, you should still practice oral hygiene; just try to avoid the area where the bridge is, to prevent unnecessary further damage from occurring. 

In the event of a Bloomington, IN dental bridge failure, prompt attention and professional care are essential for maintaining your smile and oral health. Contact us today to learn more.

 

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My Dental Bridge is Coming Loose: Now What?

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A dental bridge has the potential to last decades, or even a lifetime. At the same time, it’s not unheard of for a dental bridge in Indianapolis, IN to come loose, especially if you didn’t go to the best dentist in the first place. This is a reason why it’s so important to vet any dentist you’re thinking of going to, to ensure that your dental bridge is properly placed. But that’s all moot if your current situation is that your dental bridge is coming loose. 

Immediate Steps to Take

If your dental bridge feels loose, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth to prevent it from becoming fully dislodged. Keep the area clean by brushing gently around the bridge and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash. If the bridge detaches completely, store it safely and avoid attempting to reattach it on your own, as improper placement can cause further complications.

Scheduling a Dental Appointment

Contact your dentist as soon as possible, because your valiant at-home efforts to save your dental bridge will only last so long. And chewing on only one side of your mouth will cause alignment issues if you keep it up. Don’t worry, though. Your dentist will figure out the cause of the looseness. This could include inspecting the supporting teeth for decay or damage, checking the fit of the bridge or assessing the condition of the bonding material.

Possible Solutions

Depending on the problem, your dentist in Indianapolis, IN may be able to re-cement the bridge if the supports are still healthy. However, if decay or damage has occurred, additional treatments like filling cavities, performing a root canal, or replacing the bridge may be necessary. In severe cases, dental implants might be recommended as a longer-term solution.

Contact Indiana Emergency Dental for a loose dental bridge, or any other dental problem that’s on your mind. That’s what we’re here for!

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Have Questions About Dental Bridges? We Have Answers

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A dental bridge is an artificial tooth that can fill a space in your mouth. Dental bridges are an excellent option for some patients who want to restore their smile and make it whole. If you’re missing a tooth, you may have questions for your dentist in Indianapolis IN. We have answers! At Indiana Emergency Dental, we provide help to patients who need a dental bridge. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a prosthetic tooth that stays in place by attaching itself to the other teeth on either side of the gap. The dental bridge is attached to a crown on either side of the bridge. It is these crowns that are attached to the prosthetic tooth.

Who Benefits From a Dental Bridge?

You can benefit from a dental bridge if you’re missing a tooth and have two healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth. Your dentist can help you decide if a dental bridge is a good option for you.

How Do You Maintain a Dental Bridge?

Dental bridges are maintained with regular toothbrushing using a non-abrasive toothpaste. Be sure to use a soft-bristle toothbrush to brush your teeth. Your dentist will show you how to clean underneath your dental bridge to protect your gums from bacteria.

Do Dental Bridges Look Natural?

Dental bridges look like natural teeth. Your dentist will have your dental bridge in Indianapolis IN custom-made so it fits perfectly in your mouth. This will help ensure that your dental bridge will last a long time and will not be distinguishable from the other teeth in your mouth.

Want to replace your missing tooth with a dental bridge? Call Indiana Emergency Dental today to make your next dental appointment.

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How to Handle a Knocked-Out Tooth: Emergency Tips for Parents

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Imagine the feeling of your child coming home from a day of play with a knocked-out tooth. That’s exactly what happens to hundreds of parents or more, all over the world. Children are known for being rambunctious; unfortunately, with that territory comes a much higher risk of tooth loss. Thankfully, your child’s baby teeth will be replaced with permanent teeth eventually. But that doesn’t mean that a permanent tooth hasn’t been knocked out, or that there hasn’t been other damage aside from the knocked-out tooth. Here’s how to handle this kind of dental emergency in Indianapolis, IN.

Keep Your Child Calm

Your child will respond to the emotions that you express. Try to keep your child calm by remaining calm yourself. Keep a smile on your face and act like it’s no big deal—which it probably isn’t. Both of you need to focus on finding the tooth, if possible.

Stop the Bleeding

Gently apply pressure to the area if there’s bleeding. Use a clean cloth and turn it frequently to keep the clean side on the area.

Locate the Tooth

Find out where the tooth was knocked out, and search around for it, keeping in mind that it might be crushed into the earth if it happened outside. Once you locate the tooth, handle with care.

Handling the Tooth

Hold the tooth by the crown, avoiding touching the root. Over a bowl (not a sink), pour clean running water over it to clean it. Don’t scrub it or use soap. Place it in a jar with milk, and screw on the lid.

Contact Indiana Emergency Dental

Call your emergency dentist in Indianapolis, IN to book an appointment. We can offer several treatment options, depending upon the circumstances.

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What to do if Your Dental Bridge Becomes Loose

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As your Indianapolis, IN emergency dentist, we can confirm that most emergencies happen at the least convenient times. That’s why we maintain a 24/7 call center to care for our new and current customers. One of the many kinds of dental emergencies that we manage is loose dental bridges. Bear in mind, dental bridges are not supposed to come loose. But when they do, you can count on us. In the meantime, here’s what to do:

Immediate Action

First, contact us. A loose dental bridge requires expedient dental care. This helps to prevent additional damage or loss of the bridge.

Next, avoid the temptation to manipulate the bridge. You shouldn’t wiggle or “play” with it, trying to fix the problem. You could damage your gum tissue or the bridge itself.

Until you can see your dentist, watch what you eat. You don’t want to bite into or chew anything that’s going to make matters worse. Stick to soft foods and try to chew away from the area of the loose bridge to minimize further loosening or dislodging.

Temporary Action

While you await your dentist appointment, you should rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water. This helps to kill bacteria and rid your mouth of any leftover food debris. The aim is to minimize the risk of infection.

Be careful with brushing, as this can make the situation worse, too. Use a soft-bristled brush and a light hand when brushing.

If your dental bridge in Indianapolis, IN comes loose, you can rely on Indiana Emergency Dental to come to the rescue. With our 24/7 call center, you can get immediate help and guidance for what to do next. Contact us today to learn more.