Options for replacing a missing tooth
Few things have greater impact on dental health and appearance than loss of a tooth. When teeth are lost the remaining teeth can drift out of position, cause a change in the bite, develop decay or gum disease and have a higher risk of fracture. At Riverside Dental we offer options for replacement of missing teeth these being a Denture, Dental Bridge, Dental Implant or leave the gap.
Dentures
These are removable appliances that can be used to replace one tooth or a full set of teeth. Generally they are constructed out of a type of plastic called acrylic. Plastic teeth are set into pink acrylic to mimic a tooth and gum and are a cost effective option for the replacement of missing teeth. Dentures can also be made out of metal with acrylic teeth and gum attached and these can prove better accepted by patients as they are not as bulky. Over time they do become looser as the gum shrinks and the denture can wear away.
Dental Bridges
The teeth either side of where the tooth was removed can be used for anchorage of a fixed bridge. The teeth either side of the gap are prepared for crowns and the false tooth is constructed by the technician to attach to the two crowns. These types of restorations were extremely popular before the invention and general use of the dental implant. They still have their place in modern dentistry today but are less favoured due to the loss of tooth structure caused by the crown preparation on the teeth either side of the gap. They tend to have a lifetime of approx 5-10 years though this can depend on a number of different factors
Dental Implants
Dental implants are an ideal way to replace missing teeth. Whether it’s to replace a single tooth, or to create a full mouth of secure stable new teeth, implants are a proven, long lasting alternative to bridges and dentures! Replacing the root of your natural teeth, implants bond with the bone to form a stable foundation for permanent replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth.
The implant is placed in one visit and is left for a period of 3-6 months to allow it to bond to the bone. It is then can be checked that it has intergrated or bonded to the bone before the new tooth is screwed down into place.
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