BEACUSE LOOKINGGOOD AND FEELING GOOD ARE IMPORTANT TO US ALL, IT IS WISE TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHY AND ATTRACTIVE SMILE THROUGHOUT LIFE. ADULTS OF ALL AGES CAN BENEFIT FROM SMILE-IMPROVING DENTAL OPTIONS.
IF YOU'RE MISSING ONE OR MORE TEETH, YOU MAY BE PARTUCULARLY AWARE OF THEIR IMPORTANCE TO YOUR APPEARNCE AND DENTAL HEALTH . THE LOSS OF A BACK TOOTH MAY CASE YOUR MOUTH TO SINK AND YOUR FACE TO LOOK OLDER. ALL YOUR TEETH WORK TOGETHER TO HELP YOU CHEW, SPEAK, AND SMILE. WHEN TEETH ARE MISSING, IT IS DIFFICULT TO DO THESE THINGS. FORTUNATELY, MISSING TEETH CAN BE REPLACED, AND THEY SHOULD BE.
CHOOSING THE CORRECT TREATMENT IS VERY IMPORTANT. FOLLOWING ARE THREE OPTIONS YOUR DENTIST MAY SUGGEST, DEPENDING ON YOUR NEEDS AND THE BEST WAY TO MEET THEM.
1. IMPLANTS
A dental implant feels and looks like your own lost tooth. Here's how it works. Your dentist inserts a metal post beneathyour gum. It fuses to the bone in you jaw and acts like the root of a tooth. Then your dentist mounts a replacement tooth on the implant, where it's most likely to blend in with the way your own teeth look and feel.
Most patients find that an implant is secure and stable a good replcement for their own tooth. Implants, however, are not an option for everyone. Because implants require surgery, patients should be in good health and have healthy gums. Further, the patients either must have adequate bone to support the implant, or be a good candidate for surgery to build up the area needing the implant. Patients also should be committed to very thorough oral hygiene every day, and regular dental visits. If you are considering implants, a full evaluation by your dentist will help determine if you would be a good candidate.
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PLACING IMPLANTS?
First, surgery is performed to place the implant. Surgery can take several hours. Up to six months may be required for the bone to grow around the anchor and firmly hold it in place, although new techniques may allow immediate use of the implant. Some implants require a second surgery in which a post is attached to connect the anchor to the replacement teeth. With other implants, the anchor and post are already attached and are placed at the same time.
After the gums have had several weeks to heal, the next step is begun. The replacement tooth is made and fitted to the post portion of the anchor. Because several fittings may be required, this step can take one to two months to complete.
Implant surgery can be done either in a dental office or in a hospital, depending upon a number of factors. A local general anesthetic may be used. Usually pain medications and, when necessary, antibiotics are prescribed. Your dentist will give you insructions on diet and oral hygiene.
Dental implants can provide replacement teeth that look natural and feel secure, and also can be used to attach complete or partial dentures. It alsois possible for dentures to be stabilized and removable teeth to be made non-removable with implant prostheses.
Advantages of implants:
- Look and feel like normal teeth
- Adjacent teeth do not have to be involved in the placement procedure
- Minimize future jawbone shrinkage
Disadvantage:
- Cost is higher than alternative procedures
If the number of implants required is extensive or complex, referral to a dental specialist may be indicated. Your dentist will help you with this decision. Following are specialist who may be called upon, and brief descriptions of their areas of expertise:
- prosthodontist-restoration and replacement of teeth
- oral and maxillofacial surgeon-dental surgery
- periodontist-gum disease
2. FIXED PARTIAL DENTURES
Another alternative is a fixed partial denture (also called a fixed bridge). This is a restoration that replaces or spans the space where one or more teeth have been lost. A fixed partial denture is bonded or cemented into place only a dentist can remove it.
Your appearance, dental health and the proper functioning of your mouth all are important reasons for wearing a fixed a partial denture. It helps maintain the natural shape of your face and may help support your lips and cheeks.
If you need extensive fixed partial denture work, your dentist will provide treatment or refer you to a prosthodontist.
HOW A FIXED PARTIAL DENTURE IS ATTACHED
A fixed partial denture is commonly cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing teeth. A false tooth (called a pontic) replaces the lost tooth, A pontic is attcahed to a crown (restoration that covers a tooth). Crowns, which are cemented on adjacent natural teeth, serve as retainers that provide support for the fixed partial denture.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF FIXED PARTIAL DENTURES
A fixed partial denture can be attached to your natural teeth. Different types of materials may be used in fixed partial dentures.These include gold, and porcelain fused to metal.
In some instances, a resin-bonded fixed partial denture, frequently called a "Maryland Bridge," can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. Because it is attached by aspecial procedure called bonding, it doesn't require the use of crowns or extensive tooth preparation. Your dentist can determine whether thistreatment method is appropriate foryou.
Advantages of fixed partial dentures:
- Look, feel anf function like natural teeth
- No need to remove from mouth for cleaning
Disadvantages:
- More expensive than removable partial dentures
- Treatment is time-consuming and can be complicated
- Check-ups are necessary every few months.
3. REMOVABLE PARTIAL DENTURESAs its names describes, a removable partial denture (also called a removable bridge) readily can be taken out of the mouth for cleaning. Although removable partial dentures generally are less expensive, fixed partial dentures, when indicated, may feel more stable and comfortables.
Depending on your situation, however, a removable partial denture may be for you. Removable partial dentures usually have replcement teeth attached to pink or gum-colored plastic bases connected by metal framework. They may attach to your natural teeth with metal clasps or devices called precision attachments. A claspless removable partial denture, when indicated, may provide better support and esthetics. Crowns on your natural teeth may improve the way a removable partial denture fits your mouth. Ask your dentist which type is right for you.
GROWING ACCUSTOMED TO A REMOVABLE PARTIAL DENTURE
Inserting and removing the new removble partial denture takes some practice. It may feel awkward for the first few weeks. However, your mouth eventually should become accustomed to it. The partial denture should fit into place with relative ease.
Your dentist can explain how long the removable partial denture should be worn and when it should be removed. At first, you may ba asked to wear it all the time. Whike this may temporarily cause discomfort, it is the quickest way to identify any parts requiring adjustment. If the denture puts too much pressure on one area, that spot will become sore. Your dentist can adjust the denture to fit more comfortably. Once adjusted, your dentist may recommend that you remove the denture before going to sleep and replace it when you awaken.
Once your missing teeth are replaced, eating should be a much more pleasant experience. Since missing teeth can make it difficult to speak clearly, wearing a removable partial denture can help with that, too.
Over time, as you age and your mouth changes, your removable partial denture may no longer fit well. It also could break, crack or chip, or one of the teeth could loosen. In many instances, dentists can make the necessary adjustment or repairs, often on the same day. But complicated repairs may take longer.
If you need extensive dental reconstruction, including removable partial dentures, your dentist will provide the treatment or refer you to a prosthodontist.
Advantages of removable partial dentures over fixed dentures:
- Often look better
- Easier to repair
- Less expensive
Disadvantages:- Can be lost or broken when out of the mouth
EXPLORE ALL YOUR OPTIONS
How best to replace missing teeth is an important decision. Your dentist can answer your questions and help you decide which option will work best for you.