With all the tooth replacement options out there, it can be difficult to figure out which one is right for you. Our practice specializes in dental implant-based tooth replacement solutions. Dental implants are widely considered one of the best and healthiest options for tooth replacement, but they may not be the best option for everyone. Our team wants to help you find a solution for your missing or failing teeth, which is why we’ve provided some information about the most popular tooth restoration options available. Our goal is to educate our patients fully so that they have a complete understanding of their condition, their options, and the pros and cons of each option.
Dental Implants
Features:
- Can replace one or more teeth
- Improve eating function
- Improve appearance of smile
- No removable parts
- Permanent tooth replacement (can last a lifetime)
- Prevent dental shifting
- Prevent bone loss
Dental implants are designed to resemble natural teeth as closely as possible. Most implants consist of a titanium post to replace your tooth’s root, an abutment piece to attach your new crown, and a tooth-shaped crown or multi-tooth bridge to replace the visible portion of your teeth. Once the surgical sites are fully healed, the dental implants are extremely secure, allowing patients to eat the foods they enjoy. The dental implants look like natural teeth, and most patients are very happy with their results. While most dental professionals recommend considering dental implants as your best option for tooth replacement, some people are not ideal candidates. Patients must be able to undergo minor dental surgery and a healing period involving a soft foods diet to receive dental implants. Ongoing homecare and dental cleanings are also important to ensure successful dental implant treatment and long-term oral health.
Fixed Bridges
Features:
- Can replace one or more teeth in a row
- Fixed/No removable parts
- Improve eating function and appearance
- Prevent dental shifting
- Semi-permanent tooth replacement (may require replacement after several years)
Fixed bridges are usually placed by your general dentist. A tooth-shaped bridge consists of a prosthetic tooth attachment with two crowns surrounding it. The crowns will be fixed to your existing teeth, allowing the prosthetic tooth to bridge the gap between the teeth. Having something filling the space left by your missing tooth prevents dental shifting, however, bridges do not protect against jaw bone loss occurring beneath the gums. Your adjacent teeth will likely have to be shaped down to support the bridge, and, once the bridge is in place, it can last for several years. Bridges may be a good option for patients who are unable undergo dental surgeries.
Full-Arch Restoration (Bar Attachment Denture)
Features:
- Can replace an entire upper or lower arch of teeth
- No removable parts/A secure alternative to removable dentures
- Improves appearance of smile and ability to eat most foods
- Prevents dental shifting
- Prevents bone loss
Full-arch restorations are a great alternative to dentures for patients seeking a permanent, non-removable set of teeth. The procedure is very efficient because it uses just a few dental implants to replace an entire arch of teeth. The dental implants that support your full-arch prosthesis will keep your teeth securely in place while also preventing bone loss from occurring.
Traditional Dentures (full or partial)
Features:
- Come in partial and full-arch options to replace one or more teeth
- Removable tooth replacement option
- Semi-permanent option (require replacement or adjustment after several years of use)
- Improve appearance of smile
- Improve eating function to some extent
- Prevent dental shifting
Dentures have been used to replace missing teeth for hundreds of years. Your general dentist or prosthodontist can form your dentures to fit your mouth. In some situations, an oral surgeon may perform a pre-prosthetic procedure to prepare your mouth for dentures. Dentures can allow patients to smile confidently and eat many foods, although sometimes denture slipping and discomfort can occur. If you are unable to undergo dental surgeries, or if you prefer having a removable option, dentures may be right for you.
Tooth Replacement Options at Atlantic Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Centre in St. John’s, NL
Our practice offers a variety of dental implant-supported tooth restorations from our office in St. John’s, NL. Even if you have experienced bone loss because of your missing teeth, you may be able to undergo bone grafting or other procedures to prepare your mouth for permanent, healthy tooth replacements. Contact our office to learn more about the tooth replacement options that are available.