If you've lost a tooth or have had one removed, it is essential for your oral health that you fill the space left behind. Here are some tooth replacement options to choose from.
If you don't fill the space left by a missing tooth, the surrounding teeth can shift out of their proper position. It can also cause the supporting structures of the teeth, the jaw bone and gums, to deteriorate over time, causing facial collapse.
The following is a brief outline of the tooth replacement options available at Surdel Dental Centre.
Dentures: Full & Partial
A dentures is a removable dental appliance that replaces missing teeth and the tissue surrounding them.
You can get full dentures to replace either the full upper or lower jaw of your teeth. Or, you can get a partial denture to replace a single missing tooth, or a few in a row.
In the not too distant past, dentures were made from materials ranging from lead, human teeth and cow teeth to elephant ivory. Fortunately, these days we have access to better materials!
Today, dentures can be made of a variety of materials, mostly different types of resin, or porcelain. The supporting framework of the dentures is usually made of a rigid acrylic resin, or a flexible nylon polymer.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are permanent teeth replacements that are affixed to the teeth on either side of the gap. Their name is lteral; they bridge the gap left by missing teeth.
A bridge is made up of false teeth (pontics) which can be made of gold, porcelain, alloys, or a combination of these materials. They are attached inside your mouth by two or more crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap, which are called the abutment teeth.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are also permanent replacements for missing teeth. These tiny titanium rods are implanted into your jawbone, and then capped with a dental crown.
Dental Implants look, feel and behave just like natural teeth, and with proper care, they’ll last you a lifetime.