Dental Crowns / Dental Implants

Dental crowns cover and protect your tooth or teeth. Dental crowns can help strengthen your teeth, protect them after a root canal or after a tooth has cracked, etc. Crowns can also be used to cover dental implants.

Dental implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth, and are an alternative to removable partial dentures or full dentures. Dental implants are made of titanium and other materials that are compatible with the human body. They are posts that are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw, and are not removable. Replacement teeth are then anchored to the dental implants.

Getting dental implants may take several months, and the process involves three stages. Each patient is different, and the process may take less time or more time, depending on the individual.

1. The dentist surgically places the dental implants in your jawbone. You will be on a diet of soft foods, cold foods and warm soup during the healing process.
2. This is the jaw bone healing around the dental implant. This is what makes dental implants so strong – the bone actually grows around it and holds it in place.
3. Placement of the artificial tooth / teeth. For a single too, the dentist will customize the tooth for you, also known as a dental crown. The crown will match the size, shape, color and fit of the tooth it is replacing, and will blend in with your other teeth. If you are replacing several teeth or all of your teeth, custom made dentures will be made to fit your mouth and your dental implants. (While your crown or dentures are being made, the dentist may give you a temporary crown or bridge to help you eat and speak normally.)

Dental Bridges

Fixed dental bridges are also known as fixed partial dentures. A dental bridge literally “bridges” the gap where teeth used to be. Dental bridges are usually held in place by attaching them to dental crowns on either end.

Call the Eastburn Dental office at 251-344-2126 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Eastburn on dental crowns, dental implants and dental bridges as solutions for your missing teeth.