Tooth Replacement Options: Dentures, Bridges & Implants

Tooth Replacement Options: Dentures, Bridges & Implants

Feb 4, 2019 | Restorative

When you want to have a beautiful smile, it is essential to have a full set of teeth in your mouth, but it is possible to have missing teeth for a variety of reasons, including:

– A blow to the mouth while playing sports
– Periodontal disease that require the removal of a tooth
– A vehicular collision that damages your teeth
– A genetic abnormality with missing tooth buds
– Poor nutrition that leads to tooth loss
– Recreational drug use that damages gums and teeth

You don’t need to cope with an ugly smile with missing teeth because with modern dentistry, there are several tooth replacement options available. However, you must visit a dentist for a complete examination with medical images to determine what type of dental restoration is best for you. In addition, you must have healthy gums, alveolar bones and natural teeth to wear a dental appliance that has customized crowns or to undergo a dental implant procedure.

Dentures

If you are missing all of the teeth on the upper or lower parts of your mouth, then dentures are a great way to replace your teeth. Dentures are customized using X-rays and molds of your mouth so that the plastic resin supports fit firmly. An upper denture has a plastic support that covers the roof of your mouth to hold it in place. A lower denture is made to fit over the gum’s ridge. The dentures are made with customized dental crowns that will create a beautiful smile. Getting used to wearing dentures will take some time, and your dentist may need to adjust the dental appliances to prevent slippage or mouth sores. You must use caution while inserting or removing your dentures, and it is also essential to care for the dentures carefully with proper cleaning to prevent gingivitis and halitosis.

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are made from plastic or metal supports that are made to hold one or more customized dental crowns. In some cases, there are wires that wrap around the nearby natural teeth to hold the dental bridge in place, but a dentist may make hollow crowns to place over the surrounding teeth. A dental bridge is designed for repairing your smile, but it is also essential for protecting your gums and providing a strong bite. There are multiple dental bridge tooth replacement options that include:

– Cantilever bridges: the pontic is located outside the abutment tooth
– Maryland bridges: the supports are bonded to natural teeth on only one side
– Traditional bridges: bridges attached to the surrounding natural teeth
– Implant-supported bridges: bridges that are attached to dental implants

A pontic is another name for a type of dental crown that is made to replace a missing tooth. However, it is attached to natural teeth or implants so that it has enough support to remain in place while you are talking or chewing food. A dentist will use molds of your mouth along with medical images to create a dental bridge. A computer software program can analyze your information to ensure that a dental bridge fits comfortably inside your mouth. Most dental bridges are fixed appliances that remain in your mouth until a dentist removes the item for cleaning, adjustments or repairs.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are the most modern way to replace missing teeth, but you must have strong bones to support the metal supports of these restorations. A dentist can determine if your jawbone and alveolar bones are sturdy and healthy so that you can have dental implant surgery right away. However, if you have weak bones, then you can begin taking prescription medication that will encourage bone growth.

In addition, you must have no gum disease because dental implant procedures would lead to additional infection from bacteria entering the soft tissues and bones of your face. If you do have gingivitis, then this condition is also treatable, and within a few months, you can undergo an implant procedure to replace one or more missing teeth. Some dental implants require the use of one metal post for each dental crown, but there are newer procedures that involve having metal posts that will hold several dental crowns in place. Your dentist will give you advice about what type of dental implant procedure is best for you.

A dentist will drill holes into your gums and bones before placing metal posts into the openings. These metal posts are designed for holding screws that will hold dental crowns. Within a few weeks, the bones in your gums will grow around the metal posts to keep the items in place.

Contact Us Today

Contact Dental Specialty Associates of Phoenix and Gilbert, Ariz., today to learn more about your tooth replacement options.

How Can Veneers Help Me?

May 23, 2018 | Restorative

So, you are looking into cosmetic dentistry to create your perfect smile. Well, you have come to the right place! In this blog, we will discuss how veneers can not only address your aesthetic concerns, but actually aid in your dental health concerns as well! (more…)

Early Warning Signs of Tooth Decay

Jan 20, 2017 | Restorative

A good rule of thumb in terms of all medical care is that really the text. The same is true in dentistry. If you notice irregularities that you are not used to, you could be looking at a number of issues. A large ailment we see quite frequently is that of tooth decay. Here at Dental Specialty Associates, we want you to know all of the warning signs for tooth decay. That way this problem can be confronted immediately and solutions can be put into place.

Causes Of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay occurs when you consume sugary foods or drinks that react with bacteria and plaque. This creates an acid that attacks the outer layer of your tooth, called enamel. This issue can present itself in many symptoms, though tooth decay usually comes after you have a persistently infected tooth or a cavity. If you start to notice sensitivity in a tooth, and an abnormally bad taste in your mouth or consistent bad breath, these are signs you could potentially be suffering from it. Other warning signs are swollen gums around an aching tooth, or discoloration and gray/brown spots on your teeth or gums. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms, the first thing you should do is consult your dentist. Your dentist will ask you questions regarding your dental care, check your teeth, and find out if tooth decay is the issue you are facing.

Once the ailment is diagnosed, a filling, crown, root canal, or removal will be performed by your dentist, depending on the severity of the tooth decay.

Tooth Decay Prevention

Before you start to experience any of the symptoms you can prevent this issue by taking better care of your teeth. It is vital to your oral health that you brush your teeth twice a day. Also, choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride is a material that helps build up the enamel on your teeth. Also be sure to limit the number of sugary foods and drinks you take in. This will help avoid the breakdown of your enamel. Lastly, make sure you are seeing your dentist regularly to ensure that a professional is regularly looking at your teeth to ensure there are no further issues.

Have A Question About Tooth Decay?

Do you have any concerns regarding tooth decay? Please, Dental Specialty Associates a call at 602-795-5995 to schedule an appointment to speak to one of our experts today.