Tooth Replacement

There are times when a tooth can no longer be saved and requires surgical removal. Unfortunately, a missing tooth can not only be unesthetic, but can also cause changes in your bite as the remaining teeth can drift out of position. This can lead to gum disease, bone loss, and/or tooth decay. It is important to replace missing teeth to maintain proper function and alignment. Losing one or more teeth creates a gap in your smile and can change your ability to chew, altering your diet and nutrition.

Implants

Dental implants are designed to provide the foundation for replacement teeth. Implants can be placed without altering the healthy adjacent teeth. Implants are small titanium posts placed surgically  to replace the root of your missing tooth. They bond to healthy bone and provide permanent support for dental crowns or dentures. Once the implant is healed and integrated into your jaw bone, a custom designed implant abutment and porcelain crown is made and attached to the implant. The result is restoration that functions as a real tooth and blends in with the rest of your teeth. Implants can also provide the the foundation to replace several teeth with a custom designed full or partial denture. As a result, dental implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration which occurs when teeth are missing.

Dental Bridges

Another way to replace missing teeth is to place a bridge. A bridge attaches artificial teeth (crowns) to adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth. Removable bridges, as the name implies, can be taken out and cleaned. Fixed bridges offer more stability than their removable counterparts.


Bridges are either permanently cemented (fixed bridges), or they can be removable (partial denture.) Fixed bridges are done by preparing adjacent teeth and placing crowns on the abutment teeth or by bonding the artificial teeth directly to thes adjacent teeth. Removable bridges are attached to the teeth with metal clasps or by precision attachments, and can also be made with flexible tooth colored attachments.

Full Mouth Reconstruction

Full Mouth Reconstruction is recommended for our patients who have several teeth that are severely worn, damaged, have extensive decay, and/or  are missing. Not only can this negatively impact appearance, it can also weaken your chewing ability, cause bite imbalance, or possible jaw problems.

Depending on the amount of tooth damage present, our doctors will plan on using a combination of different cosmetic procedures which can include orthodontics to move poorly aligned teeth, dental implants, porcelain crowns, composite resin fillings, bridges, and veneers to restore the entire mouth. Periodontal procedures (gum surgery) at times may be necessary for proper restoration of teeth. Full mouth restorations are custom designed to fit each individual’s needs. Cost can vary from patient to patient.