Tooth Replacement

Teeth are replaced in two basic ways

a) Fixed tooth replacement- here the replacement teeth are not movable and do not need to be removed daily for cleansing

b) Removable tooth replacement-here teeth are replaced with an appliance which is removed for proper cleansing and generally tends to move in use more then fixed replacement. The principle advantage of removable replacement is the costs are lower.

Examples of fixed tooth replacement are fixed bridges and implant-retained teeth.
In order to replace a missing tooth (or teeth) with a fixed bridge, the space to be replaced must have strong teeth on both sides of the space. These strong teeth are used as supports for the replacement teeth and the entire bridge is cemented to the supporting teeth. There are a number of ways the bridge can be affixed to the supporting teeth. The method the bridge is attached too the supporting teeth is very much dependant on the individual case and the health of the supporting teeth.

The other method of fixed tooth replacement is implant supported replacement. Here artificial tooth roots are placed inside your jaw and serve as support for the replacement teeth. This method does not require that your natural teeth be compromised in order to replace other teeth. Implants also allows replacement in areas that are not bounded by teeth on both sides, such as in the case of persons missing all of their back teeth.

Implants can also be utilized to help hold complete dentures or partial dentures in place.

All of the techniques referred to above are available at our office, set up a consultation and learn more about how these approaches apply to your specific situation.

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