How are missing teeth replaced?
The answer to this question depends on the number of teeth that a patient is missing and the location of the teeth within a patient’s mouth. The condition of the teeth and oral hygiene will also determine how teeth can be replaced and restored. There are a few ways to replace missing teeth. The first is to use a removable false tooth or teeth, called a partial denture. The second is with a fixed bridge. The third is with complete “full” dentures. Lastly, the third way is by way of a dental implant.
Bridges
A fixed bridge typically is made up of two dental crowns placed on the teeth adjacent to the empty tooth space. Bridges can be made from various materials, gold, porcelain, and metal alloys.
The first step in placing a bridge is to prepare the teeth on either side of the empty tooth space. Our associates will trim down the adjacent teeth to make room for the crowns to be placed over them. Next, an impression of the prepared teeth will be taken and sent to a lab, where the bridge will be made. Once the new bridge comes back from the lab, an appointment will be made to place the bridge over the prepared teeth and glued into place.
Partials and Full Dentures
A partial denture is a plate with one or more false teeth on it. Dentures may be plastic or a mixture of both plastic and metals. Partial and complete dentures are removable. Partials are most often recommended by dentists when patients have many healthy teeth but need tooth restoration methods. Complete dentures, also known as full dentures, are most often recommended to individuals who have lost most of their natural teeth. Dentures can be fitted over the upper or lower teeth.
The first step in receiving a partial or complete denture is to make an appointment with our staff to have a consultation regarding what type of denture will best fit your oral hygiene and dental goals. During the appointment, impressions of teeth and gums are necessary to make the teeth match your natural teeth as much as possible. Typically, patients will schedule a follow-up to take final impressions to ensure the dentures will fit in a patient’s mouth comfortably. Additional appointments will follow to try on the dentures and give our patients a chance to preview their new smile. After this process, there will be an appointment for you to receive your dentures and a follow-up to ensure a comfortable fit with the dentures over the course of your normal activities.
Implants
Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone. This provides our patients with a foundation for a replacement tooth or teeth. A patient will schedule an appointment with our dentists for an initial evaluation. During this appointment, our team will discuss a patient’s care plan with them to determine the best dental implant procedure. If you still have a remaining tooth that needs to be replaced, your dentist will make a follow-up appointment to remove or extract the tooth or teeth. Your dentist will discuss with you prior to this visit the anesthesia options related to extractions. A third appointment will be made to insert the dental implant and complete bone grafting if not done previously. Abutment Placement follows the placement of the implants. Abutments are placed on top of the implant. The piece connects the implant to your crown and will need to be tightened so that it stays in place when you eat. Lastly, the permanent crown or tooth is made. A patient may choose to have a removable or permanent implant. This will determine if after-care instructions to be on a case-by-case basis.