Replacing your
teethReplacing your
teethReplacing a single tooth
There are several options for replacing a missing single tooth:
- A removable denture
This is a type of dental prosthesis that is used to replace missing teeth and is designed to be easily taken out of the mouth for cleaning or repair. It consists of artificial teeth that are attached to a gum-coloured acrylic base that sits on top of the patient’s gums. The denture is typically held in place by metal clasps that attach to the remaining natural teeth.
- A tooth supported bridge
In dentistry, a bridge refers to a dental restoration that is used to replace one or more missing teeth. The bridge is attached to the remaining teeth next to the gap and consists of one or more artificial teeth, called pontics.
- An implant supported tooth
A way to replace a missing tooth with a special kind of fake tooth. It has three parts: a metal post that goes into the jawbone, a connector piece that sticks out above the gums, and a custom-made tooth that looks and works like a real tooth. This helps to keep your jawbone strong, gives you a stable tooth replacement, and lets you chew and speak comfortably.
An implant could be placed into the gap left by the missing tooth and a crown or cap (tooth) can be attached to the implant. The implant is similar in shape and size to a natural root.
Once the implant has integrated, a mould is taken of your mouth, so that a tooth can be manufactured to fit on top of the implant
After approximately a week or two, the final tooth or crown, can be attached to the implant.
The result is a natural looking crown that will have great long-term success, if looked after properly.
Replacing two or more missing teeth
There are several options for replacing two or more missing teeth:
- A removable denture
When two or more teeth are missing, a removable plastic or metal denture can be worn.
- A tooth supported bridge
Depending on the condition of the adjacent teeth and their distribution, these can be prepared to carry a bridge. The bridge would be cemented onto the teeth and will fill the gap.
- Multiple implants can be placed to support a bridge
A multiple implant bridge is a dental restoration that replaces several missing teeth using dental implants as support. It is designed to bridge the gap created by multiple missing teeth, providing a natural-looking and functional replacement.
When wearing a denture or a fixed bridge, the bone at the site of the missing teeth continues to shrink, requiring them to be remade after a number of years. Alternatively implants can be placed into the gap.
A bridge that rests on two or more implants, does not damage any healthy teeth and helps prevent the shrinkage of the bone. The number of implants needed, would be dependent on the number of missing teeth and is determined by your dentist.
Once the implants have integrated, a mould would be taken of your mouth by your dentist, to enable a dental technician to manufacture a bridge. This bridge is then secured onto the implants using screws, or cement, thus replacing the missing teeth.
Should there ever be a repair needed, such as a crack or chip, the crown or bridge part may be removed by your dentist, and sent to a Dental Technician for repair.
Replacement when all teeth are missing
There are three options available when all teeth are missing in either the upper or lower jaw.
Standard removable denture
A standard removable denture rests on the remaining gums in your mouth.
Removable option
The removable option allows a full denture to be manufactured which rests on a number of implants in your mouth.
Small attachments are placed on top of the implants, with corresponding clips embedded in the denture. When the denture is placed into your mouth, it ‘clips’ onto the implants, and is held very firmly in place.
It is far more stable than a normal denture and will not move around in the mouth. In order to remove the denture, it can easily be unclipped with your fingers or with a removal tool supplied by your dentist, by lifting the denture.
Due to the increased stability, the palate area (palate in your mouth refers to the roof of your mouth) of an upper jaw denture can usually be removed, improving taste and palatal sensations.
Fixed option
With the fixed option, a full arch bridge is permanently secured to implants using screws, which can only be removed by your dentist.
Four or more implants are usually used, and only your dentist can remove the fixed prostheses if necessary.
As with all implants, impeccable oral hygiene is needed.
