Replacing Multiple TeethMerritt Island, FL
Tooth loss can happen for a variety of reasons. You may lose teeth due to advanced gum disease, severe tooth decay, or facial trauma. No matter how your teeth are lost, losing multiple teeth has several significant effects on your life. Replacing your missing teeth is crucial for restoring the functions of your missing teeth and giving you your life back. Florida Prosthodontics can help with options for multiple tooth replacement.
What Happens When You Lose Multiple Teeth?
Losing several teeth has many effects on your life:
| • | Your smile deteriorates. This can significantly impact your confidence. |
| • | It becomes more difficult to bite and chew food. This can affect your digestion and your overall nutrition. |
| • | You may develop a lisp or other difficulties speaking, which can cause issues with communication. |
| • | Excessive pressure is put on your healthy teeth, increasing their risk for damage. |
| • | Your healthy teeth begin to shift out of alignment, which can cause bruxism and TMJ disorder. |
Replacing a Few Teeth With a Bridge
If you are missing two or three consecutive teeth, a dental bridge may be used. There are a few different types of bridges, including cantilever, Maryland or resin bonded, and fixed bridges. Fixed bridges are the most commonly used. This type of bridge consists of your replacement teeth set between two dental crowns, which anchor the restoration on to your adjacent healthy teeth. Fixed bridges are commonly made from ceramic, enabling them to blend in perfectly with the rest of your teeth.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are used to replace larger sections of missing teeth. A partial denture is a removable prosthesis that consists of an acrylic base that holds acrylic resin teeth. The base is designed to rest directly on your gums, which provides the support for your replacement teeth. It also has metal clasps, which attach to your healthy teeth to provide additional support. Partial dentures do require a bit of extra care every night. They also do not stop the bone loss that follows tooth loss, so they will need to be replaced every few years.
Dental Implants for Replacing Multiple Teeth
Dental implants are a modern alternative to replacing missing teeth. Designed to be a permanent replacement for your missing teeth, this treatment uses small titanium posts that are surgically implanted into your jawbone. The posts, which integrate into your jaw, then become strong, stable support for your replacement crowns. Dental implants can be used to replace any number of missing teeth. For sections of missing teeth, the number of posts you need depends on how many teeth you are missing and the condition of your jawbone.
Typically, two or more ceramic crowns are supported by one or more dental implant posts. Dental implants provide some significant benefits over traditional tooth replacement treatments. Not only do implants replace the functions of your missing teeth and the aesthetics of your smile, but dental implants are also vastly more comfortable and easy to care for. They are also the only tooth replacement option that stops and prevents bone loss in your jaw, helping to keep it strong and healthy.
Replacing missing teeth as soon as possible is essential for giving you back your life. For more information, and to find out which option is right for you, call Florida Prosthodontics today at (321) 452-3388.
Merritt Island