Find Out How Dental Prosthetics Can Replace Your Missing Teeth

Prosthetic dentistry has emerged, over the last several decades, as a champion for people who have lost their teeth. Tooth loss can be a traumatic event, especially when it occurs at a young age. There is a popular misconception that tooth loss is reserved for the elderly. However, a person may lose their teeth due to an accident, dental or gum diseases, decay, or even destruction of the constructive tissue that surrounds the teeth. Any of these conditions can, and usually will, lead to tooth loss that then requires a solution so that the person can continue to eat and speak without hindrance.

In our dental office, we perform a number of vital restorations that both help and enhance the quality of life for those people that have been unfortunate enough to lose their teeth due to a gum disease, accident, or decay. Most people are already familiar with the kinds of prosthetics that dentists use when they are replacing teeth. Each of these varies based on the number of teeth that have been lost, the type of loss experienced, and how the patient wants to proceed. Some of the most common restorations, using dental prosthetics are known as dentures, both full and partial. We can also replace partial losses to teeth, with solutions like dental bridges and dental implants.

Dentures, also known in some cultures as false teeth, are among the most common types of prosthetics offered by dentists. Dentures come in various designs that include partial removable dentures and full dentures. If a denture is secured in place, they are typically dependent on being bonded to or being clasped to the surrounding teeth and require the surrounding teeth to be strong enough to bear the additional load.  Partial dentures are often “crown and bridge” dentures, which are made from crowns, fitted carefully over the surrounding teeth. Removable dentures are not as stable or as long lasting as a fixed denture solution but are often preferred because the patient can remove them for comfort and cleaning.

Those looking for more permanent prosthetics may prefer dental implants. This is an excellent way to replace missing teeth, especially for those that want the ability to live an active lifestyle without worrying about their teeth.  In this procedure, a metal post is implanted under the gums and secured to the jawbone.  Over several months, the bone and metal will fuse together, and when they do, a new synthetic root system is created.  This will be just as durable as a natural root would be only without the risk of a future infection. Once healed, a crown will be secured to the post at the surface of the gum line.  The new crown will look like a natural tooth and blend in seamlessly with the surrounding ones.  With a new tooth in place, patients can eat all of their favorite foods, play sports, and live life with a durable and dependable new tooth.

If you have lost a tooth or several teeth, there are multiple ways to restore the appearance of your smile.  To learn more, call and schedule a consultation.