Tooth Replacement
Missing teeth is not only an esthetic issue but can also be a functional problem especially if you are missing your back teeth which are vital when it comes to chewing your food. Replacing the lost teeth can be critical for good health. Not replacing missing teeth can lead to periodontal disease, tooth decay, bone loss, shifting of teeth, increased stress on remaining teeth and even a collapsed bite so it is extremely important to replace them. The following are some of the procedures offered by Dr. Beisel and his staff to replace missing teeth:
Bridge
What is it?
A Bridge or "Fixed Partial Denture" is generally used to replace 1 or 2 adjacent missing teeth. It is composed of a high fusing metal, porcelain or a combination of both.
How is it placed?
A bridge is placed by prepping the 2 teeth on both sides of the empty space created by the missing teeth. These teeth, which are known as abutment teeth, are prepped for a crown (abutment crown). The abutment crowns will then be attached to prosthetic teeth or pontic which serve to replace the missing tooth or teeth.
Implant
What is it?
An Implant can be thought of as an artificial tooth root placed into the bone to provide support for a single tooth replacement, a bridge or even a denture (dentures will require more than on implant).
How is it placed?
A metal rod (almost always titanium) is drilled into the bone and allowed to osseointegrate (bone attaches to metal). After the area has healed and is ready for loading forces, a restoration (implant crown) is placed.
Removable Partial Dentures (RPDs)
What are they?
A Removable Partial Denture is a denture for a patient who still has some teeth remaining.
How are they placed?
Small rests are drilled into teeth and/or crowns and the partial denture is placed with its rests sitting on the rest of the teeth.
Dentures
What are they?
Dentures are an appliance which is inserted when no natural teeth are left. They not only provide the ability to chew but also give lip and cheek support. This appliance can be placed in most cases with or without implant assistance and the doctor will be able to discuss the best option with you. Though dentures are very beneficial they do take some time to get use to and need practice to master.
How are they placed?
Dentures require several appointments over the course of a couple of weeks. The appointments generally involve impression (molds), measurements and try-ins to create a custom size, color and fit for the patient.