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Tooth Replacement
What is it?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants may be an option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or as an alternative to dentures and partials.
A specialist will place the screw retention piece. It will take about 6 months for your body to generate bone around it to hold it firmly in place. When the specialist says it’s ready, you will return to our office. We will take impressions to fabricate and fit a crown to the implant. A few weeks later, we screw it all together and, viola, you have a new tooth!
No insurance? No problem! Check out our affordable, in-house dental plan here!
IMPLANTS
BRIDGES
What is it?
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, a dental bridge may be the ideal solution. A dental bridge is a fixed, non-removable device that fills a space that one or more teeth previously occupied, consisting of crowns and artificial teeth. A bridge feels more natural than a partial because it is a permanent fixture in your mouth. They are usually made with a metal base and a porcelain covering to match your other teeth. When completed, the teeth do not look like they are connected to each other, but in fact they are. Teeth that have lost bone support due to gum disease can get loose (dentists refer to this as mobility). By connecting teeth with a bridge, they lose mobility because the connected teeth support each other, much in the same manner as posts support a fence. Adjacent teeth can be crowned and connected without replacing teeth in order to stabilize them (dentists refer to this as splinting). A bridge can replace many teeth, as long as there is enough strength in the existing teeth to support the crowns necessary to stabilize the bridge. Implants can be used to reinforce the bridge, or put in as free standing teeth.
Why do I need a bridge?
Aside from replacing teeth for aesthetic reasons, a bridge may be necessary to prevent your teeth from shifting. Shifting can lead to bite problems, jaw problems, and periodontal disease. Bridges also reinforce existing tooth structure where large fillings make up the majority of the tooth. Click here to read more about Bridges.
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PARTIALS
What is it?
The term ‘partial’ is short for ‘partial denture.’ Partial dentures are removable, and with their framework, replace multiple missing teeth. A partial is typically recommended when there aren’t enough good teeth to support a bridge. Many patients have had success with partials; they are usually the best treatment for people who are missing multiple teeth.
Types of Partials
Cast Metal
This type of partial uses a framework of metal for the foundation. The use of metal allows the partial to be thin in areas supported by the gums, making it more comfortable.
Acrylic
This type of partial is made of acrylic with wire clasps. Missing teeth are replaced by artificial teeth, and the acrylic base rests on the gums to support the replacement teeth. Clasps on partials engage adjacent teeth to stabilize the appliance.
Flexible
This type of partial is a flexible, partial denture made of a lightweight, thermoplastic material and does not require the use of metal. It adjusts to the contours of your mouth and blends in with the surrounding gums and teeth.
Be sure to discuss with your dentist the benefits of each partial type to determine the best fit for your smile. Read more about Partials and Dentures.
No insurance? No problem! Check out our affordable, in-house insurance plan here.
FULL DENTURES
What is it?
Periodontal disease, tooth decay, or injury can make you lose your natural teeth. Complete dentures are removable, cover your entire jaw, and can be made of the same materials as partial dentures. It can take time for you to get used to your dentures. Speaking and eating may feel different at first, but these regular activities will resume normally once you are accustomed to your dentures. Read more about Partials and Dentures.
No insurance? No problem! Check out our affordable, in-house insurance plan here.