People who lose many of their teeth face multiple issues. For instance, their ability to chew may be too inadequate to allow them to enjoy a varied diet. In addition, the missing teeth can have such a negative impact on a patient's appearance that the patient may feel uncomfortable talking to others in public or even laughing and smiling. Still, there are multiple dental appliances that are available to replace missing teeth. Here are a couple of them:
Dental Implants
Dental implants are some of the most realistic-looking prosthetic teeth. The implants are secured in the mouth through a process called osseointegration, in which the jawbone of the patient fuses with the implant rod or screw.
Each dental implant is surgically placed inside the bone. Once the implant has been drilled into position, it fuses with the jawbone over time. This fusion, which occurs over a few months, ensures that the dental implant is fully stabilized in the jawbone. In fact, a dental implant that heals properly is as stable in the bone as a natural tooth would be.
If a single tooth is being replaced, the dental implant is fitted with an abutment or connector. After this fitting has healed properly, a dental crown is installed. The crown, which is colored and contoured to match the patient's other teeth, completely restores the lost tooth of the patient.
In instances in which a patient has multiple missing teeth, the dentist may decide to use implant-supported devices, such as dental bridges or overdentures, to replace the teeth. To learn more about dental implants, talk with a professional -- like Gordon Dental.
Dentures
If a patient is missing most of the teeth in his or her palate, dentures may be prescribed. The dentures, which are resin or porcelain false teeth that are attached to a base plate, must be properly designed to fit the contours of the patient's mouth. Traditional dentures are generally held in place using the mouth's natural suction. Still, dental adhesive can be applied to help the dentures remain stable.
Implant-supported dentures are also available. This type of denture is attachable to dental implants or remaining natural teeth with an attachment mechanism that installed on the underside of the device. Implant-supported dentures can still be detached by the patient, but due to the appliances' ability to connect for stabilization, they do not move about in the patient's mouth.
To learn more about tooth replacement options, consult with a dentist in your area.
Share15 April 2016
I have always brushed and flossed my teeth daily, but I still had the occasional cavity when I visited the dentist for a check-up. He told me it was normal to have a cavity on occasion and that I shouldn't let it stress me out too much. Well, I am not one to just accept any problem I am having, so I started looking into how to improve my oral hygiene even more. I had always thought mouthwash was just to improve your breath, but I found some that said they helped keep cavities away. I started using one every day before bed. I haven't had a cavity in two years now, and I think the mouth rinse is the reason! I created this blog to remind other people that even if they brush and floss regularly, they can always find ways to take even better care of their teeth.
