Dental Implants

 

Missing teeth can have a major impact on appearance, ability to chew, and overall health.  Therefore it is important that the patient and the doctor decide upon the best treatment.  Fixed Bridges, Partial Dentures and Implants are some of the methods to replace missing teeth.

 

It is necessary to replace missing teeth to:

    • Balance a normal bite
    • Prevent unnatural stress on the dental ridge
    • Prevent over-eruption of opposing teeth
    • Prevent drift and tilt of adjacent teeth
    • Prevent abnormal formation of decay
    • Retard the onset of periodontal disease

 

Fixed Bridges

Fixed bridges are made or resin, porcelain, porcelain-faced metal, or gold.  They are attached to abutment teeth.  Dental restorations, called abutment inlays or crowns fasten the bridge to the abutment teeth.  The pontic is the portion of the bridge that actually replaces the missing tooth.  The competed fixed bridge (abutments and pontic) is either bonded or cemented in place.

 

Partial Dentures

A partial denture is a removable appliance consisting of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored plastic base that is connected to a metal or acrylic framework.  This framework is then anchored to the adjacent natural teeth as required to hold the denture firmly in place.  In some cases, it may be necessary to install crowns on the anchor teeth in order to provide a firm fit that is also comfortable for the patient.  The replacement teeth are made from materials that look and function naturally.

 

Dental Implants

Dental implants generally consist of two major parts: an artificial tooth or multiple teeth, and an underlying permanent anchor to which teeth are attached.  The anchor is surgically placed within the jawbone.  The artificial teeth are attached by posts to the anchor and fit on top of the gums to look and function naturally.

 

Q:  What can be done to replace a missing tooth?
A:  Cosmetic dentistry now offers options beyond having a partial denture.  One option is to have an implant and crown placed.  An implant is a titanium cylinder that is placed in the bone (under the tissue) and functions to replace what was once the root of the tooth.  After a period of 5-6 months a stress or load can be placed into this implant and then the crown is placed over the abutment. This tooth is now cared for like all the other teeth in your mouth.  Another option is a bridge.  A bridge is like a crown that is bonded to the teeth on either side of the missing tooth.  Some people prefer to not go through the surgical procedure of having the implant placed.  Others prefer to have a quick fix and to not go through the waiting period of 5-6 months before a crown can be placed on the implant.

 

Ralston Dental Health Center
2100 Carlmont Drive, Suite 1  Belmont, CA 94002  (650)595-0913