tooth replacement
™
Copyright © 2003-2007 Royanna Joy Puen, DDS, All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer: The information provided within is intended to help you better understand dental conditions and procedures. It is not meant to serve as delivery of medical or dental care. If you have specific questions or concerns, contact your health care provider.
Disclaimer: The information provided within is intended to help you better understand dental conditions and procedures. It is not meant to serve as delivery of medical or dental care. If you have specific questions or concerns, contact your health care provider.
When a tooth is extracted, you may wonder if that tooth can be replaced, or even if it should be. Teeth are replaced for aesthetic purposes - so it doesn't look like you're missing any teeth - and for functional health. Left unreplaced, surrounding teeth may start to drift towards the empty space, moving teeth around. This can affect the way you bite, and the health of your gums. There are three ways to replace teeth:
implants
A dental implant is composed of two parts -- the implant itself, which is inserted in your bone to replace a tooth's root, and the crown, which is placed on top of the implant to blend in with your other teeth. Placement of the implant is done either by an oral & maxillofacial surgeon, or by a periodontist, and placement of the crown is done at our office.
prosmost similar to a natural tooth
may help decrease bone losscons requires adequate bone support
fixed bridges
A fixed bridge is another permanent tooth replacement option. It is bonded by crowns attached to the two teeth adjacent to the space left by the missing tooth. The missing tooth is replaced by a "pontic" which is connected to the two crowns. The two teeth holding up the bridge need to be healthy and have adequate bone support.
prosfeel and function like natural teeth
shortest treatment time - as quick as one weekcons
removable bridges, aka "partial dentures"
Just as it's called, this is a removable appliance and attaches to your remaining teeth by clasps. It can be used for eating, but must be cleaned afterwards and should not be worn while sleeping.
proscan replace multiple teeth at a time
least expensivecons more easily lost
extra bulk in mouth - takes time to learn to eat and speak with them on
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an implant
- a fixed bridge
- a removeable partial
implants
A dental implant is composed of two parts -- the implant itself, which is inserted in your bone to replace a tooth's root, and the crown, which is placed on top of the implant to blend in with your other teeth. Placement of the implant is done either by an oral & maxillofacial surgeon, or by a periodontist, and placement of the crown is done at our office.
pros
fixed bridges
A fixed bridge is another permanent tooth replacement option. It is bonded by crowns attached to the two teeth adjacent to the space left by the missing tooth. The missing tooth is replaced by a "pontic" which is connected to the two crowns. The two teeth holding up the bridge need to be healthy and have adequate bone support.
pros
- affects/dependent on adjoining teeth
- makes flossing more difficult
removable bridges, aka "partial dentures"
Just as it's called, this is a removable appliance and attaches to your remaining teeth by clasps. It can be used for eating, but must be cleaned afterwards and should not be worn while sleeping.
pros
Ask your dental professional which tooth replacement option is the best for you!
510.865.2450
510.865.2450