If you are missing teeth or suffer from loose dentures, we have a solution to help you. The options we offer to our patients are based on their individual needs and circumstances. Dental implants are the best option available for people missing one or more teeth because they offer optimal functionality. Below is a basic summary of the options Cosmetic & Advanced Dentistry has available in our Owings Mills, MD dentist office.
Single Teeth Replacement
The traditional method of using a dental bridge to replace a single missing tooth involved preparing the adjacent teeth for the placement of a dental crown. A bridge is a set of three teeth fused together with the two ends being dental crowns with the pontic in the middle. With this method, you are grinding down perfectly healthy teeth to accommodate the crowns on the bridge.
With a single dental implant, you are only replacing that one tooth that is missing. A metal post is surgically implanted into the jaw bone at the void and will be left to heal for the next three to six months. Then a small piece called an abutment is attached.
Last, a custom-made dental crown is placed. It will blend in naturally with the rest of your smile and no one will even know it is a fake tooth. An implant-supported dental crown is used to replace any number of single missing teeth in your mouth.
Multiple Missing Teeth Solutions
The traditional methods of replacing multiple missing teeth is with a partial denture or a dental bridge. As stated above, the bridge method would require degrading healthy teeth to accommodate it. Partial dentures are used to fill in the blank spaces in your smile.
They are removable, require a lot of extra care, and may slip around in your mouth. Both of these options do not replace the tooth root like a dental implant does. An implant surgically placed in the jaw will help stimulate the jaw bone to keep it from deteriorating.
If you have several missing teeth in a row, we will recommend an implant-supported dental bridge. This will only replace the missing teeth and does not require the use of health adjacent teeth. At least two implants will be placed in your jaw to support it.
If you have many missing teeth in different locations in your mouth, a custom solution will be created by your dentists. They may suggest using a combination of implant-supported bridges and crowns to give you back a set of fully functioning teeth.
Full Arch Replacement
For patients who are missing an entire arch of teeth, the traditional method of replacing them is with dentures. Dentures are bulking and take a while to get used to. You are unable to eat certain foods, you must care for them daily, and they will require daily maintenance or even replacement eventually. An implant-supported denture is a better option because it is more durable and stable.
There are a few types and methods to retain a denture using implants and these will be discussed at your consultation. You will need as little as two and up to eight implants placed to hold the denture.
What type of dental implant will I need?
This is best discussed during a consultation with Dr. Ed Lazer at his Owings Mills, MD dental office. There are many types of dental implants and the type you will need depends on many factors. These factors can include the number of missing teeth, the location of the missing teeth and where they are in relation to other missing teeth, and the health of your gums and jawbone.
No two patients are the same so the dental implant process must involve an in-depth consultation and a meticulous treatment plan. This will allow your dentists to figure out the type of implant you will need to deliver the best results.
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