Restorative Dentistry

Dental Implants

Fortunately, you have a few options for replacing those missing teeth. Dentures and bridges are two of these and are sometimes the favored choices to fill wide, multiple-tooth gaps.

But the best option for replacing a single missing tooth, and sometimes even for multiple teeth, is a dental implant.

A dental implant has two parts: a titanium screw that forms the implant’s “root” and holds it in place, and a customized porcelain cap that looks just like your own healthy tooth would. Dental implants are ideal because they work just like a real tooth, appear like a real tooth, and can last a lifetime if treated with care – just like a real tooth.

Dentists often prefer dental implants because they perform like real teeth, plus they help prevent bone and tissue atrophy. Sometimes dental implants will be used to anchor bridges and partial dentures as well.

Dentures

Dentures are artificial replacement teeth that, unlike dental bridges, are fully removable. Dentures are often used when all or most of your teeth are removed, or when you don’t have two healthy anchor teeth to support a bridge. They can even be a choice if you simply don’t want the costs or cares associated with other surgical procedures.

Dentures are created from impressions of your gum line and underlying bones.

Partial dentures are used when some teeth remain on the jaw receiving the dentures. These partial dentures attach to a frame, which is then affixed to one of the remaining natural teeth.

Full dentures are used when all of your natural teeth are removed.

Dental Bridges

For those with missing teeth in their smiles, a dental bridge is a popular procedure to solve that problem. This solution is called a bridge because it uses the two healthy teeth on either side of the gap to anchor a fixed prosthetic of artificial teeth.

A dental bridge requires a dental crown on each of the anchor teeth to support it, and once put in place, the bridge is cemented in place and can no longer be removed.

Dental bridges can be challenging to care for, and are not as permanent a solution as a dental implant. If you have missing teeth, why not set up a consultation today to determine the perfect solution for you?

Dental Extractions

Sometimes, a tooth can’t be fixed and the best option is to remove it. This is called a dental extraction. Extractions are surgical procedures where your dentist physically removes the problem tooth.

Some of the reasons why you might need an extraction are:

• Baby teeth blocking the arrival of adult teeth
• Severe decay or cavities
• Impacted teeth (especially wisdom teeth)
• Cracked or damaged teeth
• Misshapen or misplaced teeth
• Infection

Extracted teeth may be replaced by dental implants or other oral prosthetics, depending on your situation and the health of your other teeth. Gaps left unfilled can cause other teeth to shift, so consult with your dentist to find the best solution after any dental extraction.