Tooth Replacement Options for missing teeth

If you’re missing one or more teeth, you may be all too aware of their importance to your looks and dental health. Your teeth are designed to work together to help you chew, speak, and smile. When teeth are missing, it is difficult to do these things. Even the loss of a back tooth may cause your mouth to shift and your face to look older. Fortunately, missing teeth can be replaced.

1. Implants

2. Fixed Bridges

3. Removable Partial Dentures

1. Implants

Many patients choose implants to replace a single tooth, several teeth, or to support a full set of dentures. Implants are posts that are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw, where they function as a sturdy anchor for replacement teeth. They are made of titanium (a strong, lightweight metal) and other materials that are accepted by the human body.

Most patients find that an implant is secure and stable – a good replacement for their own tooth.

What’s Involved?

There are many different kinds of implants. Treatment can take only one day or two. Dr. Parveen Sultana, Smile Care Family Dental at Chester Springs PA 19425, will outline a treatment plan which will contain step-by-step implant procedure for you to review and confirm to start the procedure.

There are three general phases of implant treatment:

1. Placement of the implant:

The dentist surgically places the implant into the jawbone. There might be some swelling and/or tenderness after the surgery, so pain medication is usually prescribed to ease the discomfort. Also, it is recommended to have a soft foods during the healing process for few days.

2. The healing process:

What makes an implant so strong is that the bone actually grows around it and holds nice and firm in place. After healing, the replacement teeth will be attached to the implant.

3. Replacing your missing tooth or teeth (prosthesis):

Our dental office will custom-make a crown, bridge or dentures to fit your mouth and your implants. Once completed, the teeth are attached to the implant posts. The prosthesis usually takes few a day or two.

This dental implant procedure will help you eat and speak normally and permanently.

Advantages of Dental Implants

      A dental implant is most similar to a natural tooth.
      Nearby teeth do not have to be involved in the placement procedure.
      Dental Implants may last for many years, even decades
      Some types of implants and artificial teeth or dentures will be placed at our office in one or two visits
      Implants may help prevent shrinkage of jawbone from tooth loss.