Throughout one’s lifetime, it is not unusual to lose one or several teeth. This can occur due to accidents, a tooth fracture that extends below the gum line, or a tooth that is so beyond repair that a crown can no longer protect the remaining structure.
Since every tooth plays a role in keeping adjacent teeth in their proper positions, promptly replacing a tooth after removal is a wise move. In your choices of how it’s replaced, the considerations of longevity, appearance and surrounding teeth are important factors. I’ll explain.
When one or several teeth are missing in one area, tooth replacement can occur by:
Crown & Bridge – In this option, a fixed bridge (a replacement tooth or teeth) is held by crowned teeth on both sides of the missing natural tooth (or teeth). With the supporting teeth crowned, the bridge is affixed for restored appearance and chewing ability.
Thanks to advanced training and the advantages of computerized imaging, we provide exceptional precision in determining the shape, shade and fit of the bridge’s design. We also use one of the nation’s most renowned dental labs who is known nationally for creating beautiful, custom crowns and bridges that blend naturally with surrounding teeth. This provides patients with a natural look and feel as well as excellent longevity.
As a trained Neuromuscular Dentist, I also incorporate the design of each crown and bridge to provide a balanced, healthy bite. Through proper bite alignment, our patients can avoid the risks of future headaches and jaw joint discomfort that can result from improper crown height.
Although crown-&-bridge combinations are a common replacement option, there are some long-term issues to consider. One is in the decline of jaw bone mass. Without the stimulation that tooth roots once provided to the jaw bone, the height of the bone declines. This can eventually reveal itself when a gap can be seen between the bridge and gums.
This decline in bone mass can affect the health and well-being of neighboring, natural teeth. When the bone mass on one side fails to provide sufficient structure for their tooth roots, the risk of losing those teeth increases.
Too, crowns and bridges also need replacing periodically. Bridges can break and the supporting tooth (or teeth) are at higher risk for eventual treatment (or even removal).
Dental Implants – Implants are the preferred option for replacing teeth for several reasons. They are ideal for restored confidence when speaking, laughing, and eating a healthy selection of foods. Each implant is positioned in the jaw bone, providing the same, sturdy foundation as that of natural teeth. This gives the advantage of not requiring adjacent teeth to be crowned merely to support the bridge.
Another advantage is how one implant can often support more than one tooth. In many cases, a bridge of two or three teeth can be dependably attached. When all upper or lower teeth are missing, a full arch can often be supported with 6 or 8 strategically placed dental implants. This helps to contain treatment costs since the fees are largely based on the number of implants placed.
When a tooth is removed or lost, immediate implant placement brings several advantages, one being the preservation of gum contours. When a tooth is removed, the arch of gum tissue and ‘points’ that dip slightly between each tooth begin to flatten. When an implant is placed promptly after removal, the natural contours of gum tissues are preserved.
Replacing a tooth should also occur immediately to preserve bone mass. While the depth of bone is at a healthy mass, it can better support an implant without added measures needed for bone rebuilding. And, this optimizes the potential of when two or several teeth in a row are missing. Because one implant can often support a bridge of two or more teeth, this can help to curtail treatment cost while preserving the natural contours of the gum tissues.
Additionally, since the position in your upper or lower jaw bone is already to a proper depth and size, placing the implant immediately following removal may simplify treatment time, procedural requirements and minimize healing time.
There are over 40 types of dental implants, each designed to accommodate specific needs and preferences. For example, for people who have experienced a great deal of bone decline, the All-On-4 dental implant system can be placed in minimal bone depth. Using unique angles and placement, these implants can bear the load of biting and chewing while helping to halt jaw bone loss.
The placement process for dental implants is performed while our patients relax in complete comfort. In our Shelby Twp dental office, placement is done while patients are sedated, either with oral sedation or IV sedation (“twilight sleep”).
To facilitate proper diagnosis and placement, our Macomb County dental office utilizes advanced imaging technology to optimize treatment outcomes. Here, we provide all stages of implant treatment in one convenient location – from diagnosis to placement to the placement of your beautiful porcelain restorations (replacement teeth).
Finally, a dental implant, properly maintained, is designed to last a lifetime. The success rate of implants is excellent – up to 98%; higher than any other implant-in-bone success rate. An implant will never develop a cavity, need a root canal or have detrimental effects on surrounding teeth. They are the closest thing to the look, feel and function of natural teeth.
Partial Dentures – A ‘partial’ replaces several teeth with positioning on top of the gums. The teeth are held by a gum-colored base. In most cases, the partial denture attaches to neighboring teeth with the help of extensions that wrap adjacent natural teeth. We design partials so they are secure and create an attractive, natural-looking means of restoring a smile and the ability to bite, chew and speak.
Modern dentistry can provide outstanding results with nearly immediate benefits. Our office enjoys a reputation for being on the leading edge of dentistry’s premier techniques, technology and materials. This assures our patients of care that minimizes discomfort and treatment time while optimizing the final results.
To help patients enjoy the benefits of their preferred tooth replacement option without straining their budget, we offer several payment plans that require no down payment and are interest-free. There are no prepayment penalties and monthly payments can be paced to make the payment process manageable. Our Financial Coordinator will be happy to meet with you personally or can discuss the plan that may work best for you over the phone.
Call 586-739-2155 or tap here to request a free consultation. During this time, we will discuss your preferences in tooth replacement.
Regardless of the tooth replacement option you choose, rest assured that your treatment will be performed with precision detail and exceptional quality with comfort always a priority. Begin with a brief tour of our office: DrBarbatOfficeTour
