When it comes to dentures, many people expect they will need them eventually. Proper care of your teeth can help your teeth last throughout your lifetime, but if you should find the majority of your teeth missing, dentures can help renew your smile, improving both the look and functionality. People may lose their teeth for a number of reasons including tooth decay, gum disease, tooth fracture, accident or traumatic injury.
When you are only missing one or more teeth, partial dentures may be the solution. These dentures include only one or a few false teeth and clamp into place near your healthy teeth. A partial denture can be taken out to clean.
For those who have lost all their teeth, complete or full dentures replace all of your natural teeth.
Similar to a partial denture, a fixed bridge consists of one or more false teeth that are held in place between your healthy teeth. Unlike other dentures, a fixed bridge cannot be removed.
While bridges and dentures are often used to replace missing teeth, they are not your only option. Dental implants can replace a tooth’s root and provide support to artificial replacement teeth, giving you the look and comfort of natural teeth. Implants can be used to support dentures and bridges. Dental implants are integrated with the surrounding bone and serve as anchors to which replacement teeth can be attached.
The artificial root of a dental implant is made of titanium metal and is placed in your mouth during a surgical procedure. This procedure is done by a specialist who had extensive training in implant placement. First, the implant is inserted into your jawbone just beneath your gum tissue. While the tissues heal, the implant will bond to your bone and attach to the gums. Crowns, bridges or dentures can then be attached to these implants for support. In certain cases, the tooth replacement or restoration can also be delivered the same day the implant is placed.
Dental implants aren’t for everyone. There are specific criteria you need to meet in order to have the procedure.
Having good general health is one important criterion. Your jaw must be able to support an implant. Bone loss is a common side effect of missing teeth, so it’s important to have your jawbone assessed by our dentist. If it’s determined that your jaw bone can’t support an implant, there is an option to build up your jawbone through bone grafting.
Certain systemic diseases may slow or affect the healing process after implant surgery. Smoking also has major influence in success or failure of implants. Gum disease can weaken the bone and tissue that supports your implants.
Keeping up with routine cleanings as well as brushing twice a day and flossing help you avoid gum disease.
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