Madison Center for Dentistry helps patients regain function, comfort, and confidence in their smile through a variety of tooth replacement options. Each of these restorative solutions is distinct in the benefits they offer and the approach Dr. Gilbertson takes with treatment, and our caring team helps patients determine the best choice for their needs.
Before coming into our office to discuss teeth replacement, take some time to consider the following features each option has to offer:
Dental Implants
Dental implants are made up of resilient, bio-compatible titanium posts, customizable abutments, and attractive crowns, offering the greatest positive impact on oral health. It is this ability to mimic natural structure and achieve long-lasting results that make implants ideal for replacing damaged or missing teeth. Not only do patients receive the esthetic benefits of a complete smile, but implant placement also preserves jawbone integrity by slowing the process of gradual bone loss known as resorption.
As implants rely on the bond formed with jaw and surrounding soft tissue for stability, suitable candidates have enough bone to support the prosthetic and do not have gum disease. However, even patients who aren’t eligible for dental implants initially can receive them after undergoing periodontal and restorative treatment. Options such as root scaling and planing or bone grafting are available to establish the gum health and jaw volume necessary for safe, successful placement.
Maintaining a dental implant is not unlike caring for a natural tooth. Once healing has taken place, patients can resume their regular hygiene routine of twice daily brushing and flossing. Attending semi-annual check-ups remains important so that dentists can evaluate not just the state of the implant, but oral health as a whole.
Fixed Bridges
Fixed bridges are valuable for patients looking for a cost-effective solution to replacing a single missing tooth. Rather than using the jaw for support, a dental bridge gains its stability from neighboring teeth capped with crowns. These anchor the replacement tooth or teeth, known as pontics.
Unfortunately, there are drawbacks associated with this approach. Pontics do not stimulate jaw tissue, so additional treatment may be required to address bone loss. Bridges are most beneficial when placing crowns on the supporting teeth improves their condition, but sometimes otherwise healthy structure needs to be altered for this form of restoration. In many circumstances, a single implant or implant-supported bridges offer the advantages of a fixed bridge while preserving natural health.
Dentures and Partials
Partial and complete dentures represent some of the most straightforward solutions for patients missing multiple teeth. Up to an entire arch can be replaced with a single appliance and existing dental structures are left intact. Apart from having stable periodontal health, there are few restrictions on eligibility for these restorations. They are custom fit to each patient and secured to the gums with professional-grade dental adhesive. Alternatively, dental implants can be placed to give dentures added stability.
Over time, patients may notice that their denture fits less comfortably. Natural wear and tear is typically the reason for these changes, and dentists can easily adjust or replace the appliance as needed.
Have Questions about Teeth Replacement? Contact Us Today!
If you’ve experienced trauma or decay that has resulted in the loss of a single tooth or many, Dr. Zac Gilbertson and the team at Madison Center for Dentistry are here to help. At our dental practice, we walk patients through all of their options and offer treatment that meets their unique needs and supports their smiles’ long-term health. To learn more, give us a call today and schedule a consultation visit.