Three Possible Options For Replacing Missing Teeth
Posted on: 11 September 2015
If one or more of your teeth are missing, you will have a variety of options available to you. Your dentist will give you an exam and let you know which options you are a good candidate for. If you can go just about any route, then you want to educate yourself on the ins and outs of each so you can make a more informed decision. Read the information below so you get a clear understanding of what each type of treatment has to offer and how they are done.
Bridges: In order for you to be a candidate for a bridge, you need to have some teeth still intact near the area where you are missing teeth. A bridge is put on by placing crowns on nearby teeth to hold the bridge in place. The bridge will fill in the empty spots with crowns as well. This method can be used to replace one or more teeth as long as the nearby teeth are going to be able to fully support the bridge.
Implants: Dental implants are another option. Implants are put in place with the use of a post that goes into your gum and gets fused directly to the bone of your jaw. A crown will be placed on the implant to provide you with a strong and natural looking replacement for your missing tooth. The dentist will need to verify you are a good candidate by checking your bone density, making sure you don't have a condition that lengthens your healing process and that you are not currently suffering from gum disease.
Dentures: Dentures are also a viable option for tooth replacement. If only a few of your teeth are missing, then partial dentures will be used. If you are missing all of your teeth, then you will need full dentures. The dentist will make an impression of your mouth and the dentures will be made to fit your mouth. Dentures are a removable option that requires a little extra maintenance than the other options, such as separate cleaning and a period of getting used to having them in.
If you still have some of your tooth intact, then there are other methods the dentist (like Scott W. Murphy, D.M.D., P.A.) can use to give you a complete tooth. They may be able to use bonding, porcelain veneers or crowns to fix your tooth. Now that you understand some of the options that are available, you will feel more confident discussing your treatment with your dentist.
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