Tooth Replacement Options
If you're missing one or more teeth, you may be all too aware of their importance to your looks and to your dental health. Your teeth are designed to work together to help you chew, speak, and smile. When teeth are missing, it is difficult to do these things. Fortunately, missing teeth can be replaced.
Tooth replacement options can either be removable or fixed (fastened securely in the mouth).
Dentures (Removable)
Dentures are false teeth that can easily be taken out of the mouth. Full dentures are available for patients who have absolutely no teeth on either their upper or lower jaw, or both, and partial dentures are for patients who need to replace two or more missing teeth. Dentures usually have replacement teeth fixed to a plastic base that matches the colour of your gums. Some partial dentures could also have metal framework to strengthen the base of the dentures.
It takes practice to put in and take out a removable denture. It may feel odd or tight for the first few weeks. But in time, you should get use to it. Never force it into place by biting down. This could bend or break the clasps.
Removable dentures should not be worn 24 hours a day. Your dentist may tell you to take out the denture/s at bedtime and put it back in when you wake up. This would be a good time to clean your dentures as false teeth can also get stains and build up plaque. Just as natural teeth would.
Over time, as you age and your mouth changes, your denture/s may no longer fit well. it also could break, crack or chip, or one of the teeth can loosen. More than often, your dentist can make repairs to fix these issues.
Bridge (Fixed)
Another tooth replacement option is a Bridge. A dental bridge replaces missing teeth with custom made false teeth. The bridge is attached to the real teeth on either side of the gap left by the missing teeth. Bridges are usually made of porcelain or metal, or a mixture of the two. A bridge is bonded or cemented into place and only a dentist can remove it.
Placing a bridge usually takes more than one dental visit. On your first visit, your dentist prepares the teeth on either side of the gap. The bridge will be later attached to these teeth. Your dentist then takes an impression of your teeth and the space, and sends the impression to a dental laboratory. Technicians at the lab make the bridge out of metal, ceramics, glass-ceramics or a combination. Your dentist will place a temporary bridge to protect your exposed teeth while you are waiting for the permanent one.
Dental Implant (Fixed)
A dental implant is a piece of metal (titanium) that looks like a screw. It is put into the jaw where the missing tooth’s roots were. Over time, bone grows around the implant, which helps to hold it in place. An artificial tooth, or crown, is then attached to the metal to fill in the gap left by the missing tooth. The crown is specially made to look like your other teeth in size, shape and colour.
Most patients find that an implant is secure and stable - a good replacement for their own tooth. However, implants are not an option for everyone. Because implants require surgery, patients should be in good health overall. Patients either must have adequate bone to support the implant, or be able to have surgery to build up the area needing the implants. Patients also should be ready to commit to a daily oral care routine and to regular dental visits. Patients who use tobacco can also have a lower success rate to those who don't. Your dentist here at Radiant Dental can help you decide whether implant treatment is a good option for you.
Implant Procedure
Step 1: Implant placement – A titanium or a titanium alloy fixture is fitted and left to fuse with the jaw bone
Step 2: The healing process - What makes an implant so strong is that the bone actually grows around the implant and holds it in place. Patients may need to wait up to several months (generally three to six months) before the replacement tooth, or crown, can be attached to the implant.
Step 3: Implant restoration - Once the implant has fused and healed against the jaw bone, a tooth crown/ tooth replica is fitted onto the implant.
