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Replacing Missing Teeth

Your teeth affect your whole body. When they’re healthy, you’re healthier too. A missing tooth can affect your bite, speech, and eating choices. There are a few main reasons to replace missing teeth. The fewer teeth remain in the mouth, the more forces they sustain, which increases the risk of losing more teeth. Furthermore, the only reason we have jaw bones is to hold our teeth. If teeth are lost, the bone begins to decrease and deform, which can cause other occlusal problems.

Dental implants are more easily placed when teeth are first extracted because bone replacement becomes more complex as time passes. The great news? Implants are the single best way to replace a missing or hopeless tooth. They safeguard and preserve your bone structure, oral health, and appearance. Dr. Fialkoff will provide options to make the most informed decision concerning tooth replacement.

Tooth Replacement Options


You can select from a number of different options to replace your missing teeth. A good candidate is anyone missing one or more teeth, is unhappy with their dentures, and has a reasonable amount of bone. Certain conditions, smoking, diseases such as diabetes, and radiation therapy in the area, have been shown to lower the success rate of implant placement. X-rays of your jaw will be taken to evaluate whether they will accommodate implants. Detailed, 3-D cone beam radiographs may also be taken to precisely measure the bone volume, density, thickness, and important biologic structures.

Fixed Bridge


A fixed bridge is a connected set of replacement teeth. It is cemented into position on the teeth adjacent to the space for support. The protective outer layer of these teeth is usually removed or ground down before attaching the bridge.

Flipper


A fragile, temporary and inexpensive solution is a removable plastic tooth with a plastic retainer, often called a “flipper”.

Metal Partial


A less fragile option is a removable partial denture cast in metal and plastic. It is held in place by wire clips. A removable partial denture can be removed and reinserted when required by the patient.

Denture


The most common solution for people missing all teeth in one or both jaws is complete dentures. Some people adapt well to dentures. Others find them uncomfortable, even intolerable, because of differences in jaw size and shape.

Dental Implants


Dental implants are the most comfortable and permanent solution. They form a strong foundation for teeth and keep the jaw healthy and strong. Implants support individual replacement teeth or secure specialized dentures in place. Unlike bridges, no healthy teeth are damaged. Unlike most bridges, implants can last a lifetime. Implant-supported replacement teeth can be attractive, stable, and comfortable for almost any patient.


Your Teeth Deserve Superior Care


Dr. Fialkoff offers a number of dental treatments that can keep your mouth healthy and your smile beautiful. Contact us today!

Why Select Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types Of Restorations?


There are several reasons: Without a doubt, dental implants are the best option to replace missing teeth. They preserve healthy bone structure, keep teeth separate, have a high success rate, and are the most long-lasting option. A dental bridge requires the removal of surrounding healthy tooth structures. A removable partial denture places pressure and weakens the adjacent teeth increasing the risk of recurrent decay. Additionally, removing partials at night is inconvenient, not to mention dentures can move around in public. The appearance of metal clasps and wires is unaesthetic.