Tooth Replacement Devices

Dentist Blog

As a person ages, he or she may lose one or more teeth. Nevertheless, there are many tooth-replacement appliances available to restore the appearance and functionality of the mouth. The application that is selected for the restoration is partially dependent on the number of teeth that are missing. Here are some of the applications that may be used to restore lost teeth: 

Dental Implants

A dental implant is often used to replace an individual missing tooth. In addition, it can be used to secure other restorative devices, such as dentures or bridges, in the mouth. 

An implant replaces the missing dental roots of the teeth that have been lost. The crowns of the lost teeth are replaced by individual dental crowns or by multi-teeth devices. 

When an implant is added to the mouth, it is placed through the gingival tissues into the bone of the jaw. The device heals into position, offering the stabilization of a natural tooth.

Bridges

A dental bridge can replace one lost tooth or multiple teeth. The false tooth or teeth that will serve as replacements are located in the center of the bridge. On each end of the bridge, a dental crown rests. The crowns are added to the abutment teeth, which are the remaining teeth that border the gap left by the lost teeth. If an abutment tooth is also missing, a dental implant can be used in its place to connect the bridge to the mouth. 

Fixed dental bridges are considered permanent and cannot be removed from the mouth unless a dentist performs the removal. To ensure that the tissues around the bridge remain in good condition, the mouth should be cleaned regularly through brushing and flossing. In addition to using floss to remove plaque and debris from between the teeth, patients should use floss to remove debris from the area between the gums and the false teeth of the bridge.

Hybrid Dentures

Hybrid dentures can be used to restore the mouth when a partial or full palate of teeth is missing. The hybrid dentures are false teeth, just as traditional dentures are. However, hybrid dentures don't slip or move about as traditional dentures sometimes do. 

To hold a hybrid denture in place, the appliance is attached to dental implants. The false teeth of the denture restore the appearance and chewing ability of the mouth, and the dental implants provide stabilization to allow the appliance to chew normal foods properly. 

If you have lost one or more teeth, contact a dental office like Port Orange Dentist to schedule an appointment. 

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13 December 2017

Mouth Rinses Are Not Just for Bad Breath

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.