MISSING TEETH REPLACEMENT
If you are missing some teeth you have three choices for replacement:
Each option involves different procedures and time frames, and each option has a different life span. Every option requires maintenance and may need replacement during a patient’s lifetime. We want our patients to be fully informed about each option., to be able to make an informed choice.
- Implants - single or multiple teeth replacements. A titatinum root and a porcelain and/or metal tooth (crown) are placed. Once placed, this is permanent and is not removed to clean. It is treated as a natural tooth. Implants are usually a 6-8 month process, depending on need for grafting and how long it takes for the implant to integrate.
- Bridges - The space must be between two other teeth. A porcelain and/or metal bridge is cemented to prepared (drilled and precisely reshaped) teeth on each side of the space. The bridge is cemented permanently and looks and functions as natural teeth.
- Removable Options- Partial Dentures replace multiple teeth with one appliance. Partials are made from either metal and acrylic or a flexible plastic. They are retained in the mouth by small arms (clasps) that attach to other natural teeth or gums. They must be removed daily to clean to clean the gums and teeth under them.
- Implants with fixed bridges – 6-8 implants will be placed for each arch (top or bottom). Porcelain and/or metal bridges will be screwed on or cemented to these implants. The bridge looks and functions as natural teeth. Implants are usually a 6-8 month process, depending on need for grafting and how long it takes for the implant to integrate.
- Implants with removable denture – 2-4 implants will be placed for each arch (top or bottom). Acrylic and metal dentures will be fabricated that snap onto implants. These need to be removed daily for cleaning. Implants are usually a 6-8 month process, depending on need for grafting and how long it takes for the implant to integrate.
- Traditional dentures – Made to fit your mouth through impressions and multiple try-in visit. They are made of acrylic.
Each option involves different procedures and time frames, and each option has a different life span. Every option requires maintenance and may need replacement during a patient’s lifetime. We want our patients to be fully informed about each option., to be able to make an informed choice.