A PICTURE PERFECT SMILE WITH
Restorative Dentistry
At Riverside Dental we offer a range of restorative dental services to address any dental problems you may be having while also restoring beauty and function to your smile.
Options for replacing a missing tooth
Few things have a greater impact on dental health and appearance than the 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. We offer several options for replacing missing or un-salvageable teeth, including dental bridges, dental implants and dentures.
Dental Bridges
The teeth either side of where the tooth was missing or 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. Find out more about dental bridges here.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the most advanced and permanent tooth-replacement option available today. An implant is placed into the jaw bone where the root of the missing tooth once would have been, and it is topped with a crown to give it the appearance of a natural tooth. This tooth replacement option is also the best option in terms of your future oral health, as the pressure that the implant exerts on your jaw bone when you chew keeps the bone healthy and prevents it from receding as it normally would when you are missing a tooth. The implant also keeps other teeth from shifting into the space of the missing tooth. Implants allow you to eat normally and function almost exactly as a natural tooth. More information on dental implants is available here.
Dentures
Dentures are custom-made replacements for missing teeth and can be taken out and put back into your mouth. While dentures take some getting used to, and will never feel exactly the same as natural teeth, today's dentures are natural looking and more comfortable than ever. With the support from dentures, you will appear youthful while being able to enjoy food and speak comfortably, just as if you still had your natural teeth. More information on dentures is available here.
Dental bridges are common, affordable and low risk treatments for missing teeth. A dental bridge is a prosthetic device that’s used to fill a gap created by one or more missing teeth. A bridge is mounted onto your existing teeth or implants and cemented into shape bridging the gap to create a full smile. Bridge work is the traditional way of replacing missing teeth. There are several varieties, depending on the site in your mouth, your bite and also the aesthetic and functional considerations.
A bridge will:
- Keep teeth from drifting into the space created by a missing tooth
- Maintain the shape of your face
- Help preserve normal function and a normal bite for the jaw joint
The process of getting a bridge
The most common type of bridge work involves applying crowns to the two teeth on either side of a gap, where teeth have been removed for one reason or another. This involves the joining of three crowns including a crown to fill the gap. Getting a bridge is a multi-step process and will often take two or more dentist visits as it is a lengthy process involving more than one tooth.
The dentist will reshape the teeth that the crowns will fit over by filing them down or filling them in to make them larger. These crowns need to fit securely in order to hold the bridge in place. The bridge is then cemented and permanently bonded in place, holding the new crowns in place and making it very secure, with the appearance of your natural teeth. This type of bridge is suitable in areas where teeth on either side of the gap have been filled and would benefit from the placement with crowns. However if the teeth beside the gap are unfilled it might be better to explore other options, such as implants, to avoid having to cut the otherwise perfect teeth.
Placing bridgework can have an impact on the health of the gums and bone due to the additional biting pressure, it could lead to gum and bone problems in the future.
Your permanent bridge is cared for like your permanent teeth. It should be cleaned properly in between the teeth and proper brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is important. Cleaning your bridge will help to reduce cavities and the development of inflammation of the gum tissue.
If you're interested in learning more about dental bridges, please contact us today.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are an ideal way to replace missing teeth, whether you’re replacing a single tooth or creating a mouth full of new secure teeth. Implants are a proven, long lasting alternative to bridges and dentures as they are the most natural looking restoration option.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a screw like anchor that’s used as an artificial replacement for the natural roots of your teeth. A dental implant is made from materials that won’t be rejected by the human body such as titanium. By attaching to the jawbone and the gum tissue, dental implants provide a firm base for prosthetic teeth such as dental bridges crowns and dentures.
The dental implant is placed surgically into your jawbone and as you heal your implant will fuse with your natural jawbone and this is what creates a strong long lasting bone like structure. The healing process can take weeks to months and you can go about your everyday life in between appointments. Once the implant has bonded, a small connecting device known as an abutment is placed on top of the dental implants which then connect the prosthetic tooth or teeth to the implant.
Recovery is quite quick and most patients return to their daily activities the next day, however every situation is different and individual’s response and recovery can vary greatly. Recovery can be longer for a patient who has bone grafting procedures that sometimes need to occur for further implant support.
How long do they last?
With proper care, dental implants should last a lifetime. However the prosthetic replacement tooth attached to these dental implants only lasts around 5-15 years depending again on the care they receive. Having a good oral hygiene routine is vital for preventing infection around your dental implants, so make sure to establish a regular routine of brushing and flossing your teeth every day. Combined with regular trips to your dentist for professional cleaning and maintenance, your dental implants should be hassle free.
What are dentures?
Dentures are custom-made replacements for missing teeth and can be taken out and put back into your mouth. While dentures take some getting used to, and will never feel exactly the same as natural teeth, today's dentures are natural looking and more comfortable than ever. With the support from dentures, you will appear youthful while being able to enjoy food and speak comfortably, just as if you still had your natural teeth.
Types of dentures
Full set of dentures
Where all your teeth have been lost, the need for high quality upper and lower dentures is the norm. Your caring dentist at Riverside Dental would be happy to provide this service. Your dentist takes measurements and makes models of your jaw during a prior visit. They are designed to fit within your mouth to help with routine lifestyle activities such as talking and eating.
Partial Dentures
A partial denture rests on a metal framework that attaches to your natural teeth. Sometimes crowns are placed on some of your natural teeth and serve as anchors for the denture. Partial dentures offer a removable alternative to bridges.
When is it time to get dentures?
Where one or more of your teeth have been missing for a long time you should know that tooth loss is a very common occurrence. While it’s not the most pleasant prospect, you are in good company, and thankfully you have options. Just because you are missing one or more of your natural teeth does not mean that you can’t have a beautiful, functional smile.
When not addressed, missing teeth can rapidly snowball into a range of other negative health effects including dissolving jawbone, movement of remaining teeth, and a sunken facial appearance. It’s in your own best interest to address any missing teeth quickly.
Dentures are one of the most common tooth replacement options, and they’ve been around for a very long time – since about 700 BC! In that time the design, comfort, aesthetics, and function of dentures have changed drastically.
Today, we are able to provide you with dentures that so closely resemble the look of natural teeth that many people will not even notice them. Advancements in denture design and technology have also provided us with options that can allow you to chew nearly as effectively as you were able to with your natural teeth.
How to care for dentures
- Don't let dentures dry out – place them in a denture cleanser soaking solution or in plain water when you're not wearing them. Never use hot water, which can cause dentures to warp.
- Brush your dentures – brushing dentures daily will remove food and dental plaque, and help prevent them from becoming stained.
- Take care of your mouth – brush your gums and tongue every morning with a soft-bristled brush before you insert dentures. This stimulates circulation in your tissues and helps remove plaque.
- Consult your dentist – see your dentist at Riverside Dental if dentures break, chip, crack or become loose at your earliest convenience. Don't be tempted to adjust them yourself — this can potentially damage them beyond repair.
How much do dentures cost?
The price of dentures is dependent on the type of dentures needed and the materials used. To further discuss the cost of dentures, contact your Sunshine Coast denture clinic, Riverside Dental today.
Where to get dentures?
At Riverside Dental we have a special interest in denture service, providing quality service for all patients. We want to be your dentist. We work in collaboration with our patients in pursuit of results that simultaneously meet our clinical standards and address the lifestyle and financial issues of each person. We hope to serve you and look forward to providing you with the very best dental care.
Affordable dentures in Noosa
If you are interested in learning whether dentures are right for you, please contact us today.
