Replacing teeth
Replacing teeth is something no one wants to have to consider. Today we have a range of options and designs which can provide a long term replacement tooth similar to any that have been lost. The main reasons for loosing a tooth are: trauma, gum disease, decay/infection. At times teeth fail to develop or grow through, leaving spaces or baby teeth instead.
When it comes to replacing teeth, there are 3 main options: removable dentures, fixed dental bridge or fixed dental implant.
What are the options?
Each of these options – removable dentures, fixed dental bridge and fixed dental implant – may not always be available for every situation. Careful planning and design is considered for each case; as no 2 replacement teeth are the same. Although all of these options can give almost life like function, form and aesthetics – none of them are as good as our natural teeth. The design features, and predictability will be discussed in detail with you during a clinical assessment with your dentist.
What are removable dentures?
A complete denture is the best option if you have lost a large number of your teeth or had them removed.
What is a fixed dental bridge?
A bridge can be used to fill the space where a tooth has fallen out or been removed. Without one, your teeth could shift around in the space, lead to biting and jaw problems, and possibly periodontal disease. A bridge consists of a filler tooth attached to two surrounding crowns and this structure is bonded into the mouth.
What is a fixed dental implant?
Implants are used to replace a missing or badly decayed tooth root and are one of the best way to replace single or multiple missing teeth. Implants are made of titanium, an extremely strong and biocompatible metal that fuses to the surface of the jawbone over time and becomes a natural part of your body. Once this has happened, a crown can be placed over the titanium root to give you a natural-looking tooth.
