RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY

Tooth Replacement: Good, Better, and Best


Losing a tooth can be of social and psychological  concern. Teeth are lost for a number of reasons including:

• Decay
• Periodontal (gum) disease
• Trauma
• Congenitally missing


Replacing missing teeth has substantial benefits for your health and your appearance.  When a tooth is lost, the neighboring teeth, your smile, facial muscles, speech and chewing forces are altered. In the world of modern dentistry, you have several choices as to how you wish to replace your missing tooth or teeth.  So that you make a more informed decision, we have put together this information for your review. We have listed your choices in order of strength, longevity, aesthetics, and investment.  How long any restoration lasts depends upon how good of a job you do with your home care, and whether you keep up with regular professional visits. Some people want to drive a Cadillac and others are happy with a Chevy. The choice is yours. Here are your options:

GOOD -- Complete Dentures, Removable Partial Dentures:
All the missing natural teeth are replaced by a removable appliance providing  support for cheeks, lips and sagging facial muscles which could make you look older. Eating and speaking may initially be impacted as you get use to having something in your mouth. Over time, dentures or partials will need to be relined, remade or rebased due to normal wear and deterioration of the supporting structures.

BETTER -- Fixed Bridge
A bridge can span a space where one or more teeth have been lost. The teeth on either end of the span are crowned (capped) and joined together by a false tooth.  Two appointments are required to complete this process,  esthetics, function and tissue compatibility are factors we consider before placement. Other than a change in flossing techniques, generally there is no adapting required, your smile is restored immediately. Over time the teeth supporting the bridge may deteriorate due to the extra stresses placed on them, replacement and or extension of the bridge may be required.

BEST -- Implants
Like many others who have lost teeth, you probably know that it is difficult to duplicate the performance and looks of your own healthy teeth. Today, dental implants are coming a step closer to providing artificial teeth that look natural and feel secure. Implants help to maintain the bony support of the jaws which is necessary for the facial tissues to maintain a beautiful, youthful appearance.

Implants can replace one or more teeth, provide support for a partial denture, or be used to attach a full denture. 

They are not an option for everyone. You must be in good health, have healthy gums, have adequate bone to support the implant and be committed to excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits.

Implants require a considerable investment of time and discretionary income. Yet for those of you who have lost just a single tooth, or who have difficulty with removable appliances, it is time and money well invested.

As you can see, you have several options to replace your missing teeth. All of them work, but implants work better, last longer, and are less detrimental to your mouth. Just like you could buy a good pair of shoes or a cheaper pair of shoes. Both will work, but the good pair will last longer, and look and feel better. Click Here for More Information.