Dr. Richard Parsanko runs Sonoran Desert Dentistry in Scottsdale, Arizona. Here, he explains prosthodontics, the branch of dentistry that deals with missing teeth.
There are three types of tooth replacement:
1. Dentures: If you’ve lost all of your natural teeth, whether from periodontal disease, tooth decay, or injury, complete dentures can replace your missing teeth. Without support from the denture, facial muscles could sag, making a person look older. You’ll be able to eat and speak, things that people often take for granted until their natural teeth are lost.
There are various types of complete dentures. A conventional full denture is made and placed in the patient’s mouth after the remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed, which may take several months. An immediate complete denture is inserted as soon as the remaining teeth are removed. The dentist takes measurements and makes models of the patient’s jaws during a preliminary visit. With immediate dentures, the denture wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. Removable partial dentures usually consist of replacement teeth attached to pink- or gum-colored plastic bases, which are connected by metal framework.
Even if you wear full dentures, you must still take good care of your mouth. Brush your gums, tongue, and palate every morning with a soft-bristled toothbrush before you insert your dentures to stimulate circulation in your tissues and help remove plaque.
2. Fixed bridges: Bridges help maintain the shape of your face, as well as alleviate the stress in your bite by replacing missing teeth. Sometimes called a fixed partial denture, a bridge replaces missing teeth with artificial teeth, and literally bridges the gap where one or more teeth may have been. The restoration can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials and is bonded to the surrounding teeth for support. Unlike a removable bridge, which you can take out and clean, a fixed bridge can only be removed by a dentist. An implant bridge attaches artificial teeth directly to the jaw or under the gum tissue. Depending on which type of bridge your dentist recommends, its success depends on its foundation. So it’s important to keep your remaining teeth healthy and strong. Fixed bridges are superior to dentures in function and appearance, but they are far more expensive.
3. Dental implants: For some people, dental implants offer a smile that looks and feels natural. Surgically placed below the gums over a series of appointments, and then capped or crowned, the permanent implants are titanium pegs that fuse to the jawbone and serve as a base for individual replacement teeth, bridges, or a denture. Implants offer stability because they fuse to your bone. Integration of the implants into your jaw also helps your replacement teeth feel more natural and some people also find the secure fit more comfortable than conventional substitutes. They can improve your appearance, boost your self-confidence, and allow you to speak with greater clarity.
Candidates for dental implants need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. A thorough evaluation by Sonoran Desert Dentistry will help determine whether you are a good candidate for dental implants as they are the most expensive of the three types of tooth replacement.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
