Prosthodontics
Having an empty space in your mouth can affect your confidence and interfere with eating, speaking, and smiling
Today’s advanced dental techniques and strong, non-invasive materials provide individuals with personalized replacement teeth that look, feel, and function the same as the teeth people were born with
The three most popular methods used for replacing teeth are:
- Dental Implants
- Dentures
- Bridges
Dental Implants
This is a permanent option to replace one or more missing teeth. The procedure involves several steps.
During the first step, the dentist prepares the replacement space by affixing the implant, often referred to as the post, beneath the gum line and into the bone. Some stitches made be needed to secure the post during the healing process when it will be surrounded by new bone growth.
The next step is when the dentist removes the stitches.
Some additional time may be needed for complete healing before the new crown, or crowns, are placed over the posts.
The final result is a real tooth’s appearance. To help ensure that your dental implants last for a lifetime, the implants require the same daily brushing and flossing home care as well as routine dental examinations and professional cleanings as your natural teeth.
Dentures
They can be formulated as a partial apparatus that fit between and held in place by adjoining teeth, or as a full apparatus for upper and lower gum lines. Dentures are not permanently affixed in your mouth.
Dentures are removable and can be removed to clear away any food particles trapped when eating, and they can be cleaned by soaking them in a denture solution, such as Polident.
Dentures are strong and durable. With the proper care, dentures will last for many years.
Bridges
This is a semi-permanent option for replacing lost teeth.
Dental bridges are attached to adjoining teeth and are not removable, but, over time, they can become loose and separate from their anchor teeth.
Bridges can be used to fill the empty space left by one or more missing teeth.
This dental option requires additional at-home cleaning care because of the small space left between the bridge and the gum line where plaque, tartar, and food particles can collect.
