Ways To Replace Missing Teeth

Many people lose their teeth as they age. The progressive loss of teeth that a person may suffer as he or she grows older is often due to periodontal problems. However, a person of any age can lose a tooth unexpectedly due to gum problems, dental decay, or trauma. 

Regardless of the reason for a person's tooth loss, there are multiple applications that can be used to replace lost teeth. Here are a few of them:

Dentures

Dentures are used when multiple teeth are missing from the same palate. Several missing teeth may be replaced using a partial denture. However, a full palate of missing teeth requires a full denture for replacement.

A denture is a device that includes false teeth and a base to which the teeth are attached. Conventional dentures are held in the mouth by denture adhesive and natural suction. However, many denture patients prefer a more secure fit for their appliance.

Even with the denture adhesive, patients may experience slipping or movement of the appliance when they eat certain foods or speak. As a result, some patients prefer to have their dentures supported by dental implants.

Dental implants are prosthetic dental roots that are inserted into the bone of the jaw. The implants stabilize within the jawbone as bone cells grow around and integrate with the device. After a few months, the implant is as secure in the mouth as a natural tooth. Thus, when a denture is attached to the implant, the denture remains securely in place. 

Bridges

Dental bridges are also used to replace teeth that are missing. The bridge, like the denture, includes one or more false teeth. However, the bridge is fixed in the mouth as the crowns that lie on each side of the false teeth are connected to abutment teeth or dental implants. 

A dental bridge can be used to replace a single lost tooth or multiple missing teeth. Once the crowns of the appliance have been bonded to the implants or natural teeth, the bridge cannot be removed by the dental patient. The appliance is considered a permanent fixture in the mouth.

Implants

A dental implant can be paired with a dental crown to replace a single lost tooth. After the implant has been installed and has healed into place, a connector is added to the device. The crown is subsequently added to to finish the restoration of the missing tooth.

If you have lost one or more teeth, contact a dentist in your local area to schedule an appointment. For more information, contact companies like Port Orange Dentist.

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