If you have one or more teeth missing, you may find that laughing, eating and talking are difficult and make you feel self-conscious. Your smile says a lot about you, so you want it to say great things and missing teeth can be problematic. However, there are many options available in North Center to help, including dental implants and other options.
Implant Options
Whether you are missing one, a few or all of your teeth, an implant can work well to restore the missing teeth and give you back your smile. The first step is the consultation, which includes an exam, answering questions about your history and taking images of the teeth. Your dentist will likely discuss all treatment options, including non-implant versions during this time.
Once you have chosen dental implants, they will be placed into the mouth. This will require metal being placed into the bone and gum where the tooth is to go. A temporary tooth can be placed over the implant while it integrates with the bone and forms a good foundation for the new tooth. While there may be slight discomfort or pain, it can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers.
The connectors are then placed on the top of the implant, which will connect the replacement teeth together. This step isn’t always necessary and your dentist will determine if it is required. The last step is to have your replacement teeth placed.
Non-Implant Options
If a single tooth must be replaced, there are three main non-implant options, including a fixed bridge, partial dentures and a resin-bonded bridge. The fixed bridge is the most common procedure done and requires grinding the adjacent teeth to help support the faux tooth. This procedure sometimes requires the removal of the adjacent teeth because of decay and weakness.
Partial dentures are a removable denture that is made to replace the missing tooth/teeth. Many people complain that these options aren’t comfortable and the metal around the adjacent teeth can cause wear and tear to those teeth, also.
The resin-bonded bridge is usually used to restore the front teeth and will also attach to adjacent teeth.
If you need to replace multiple teeth, your only other option is a removal partial denture. Likewise, if you must replace all of your teeth, the only other non-implant option is a removable complete denture.
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