Losing your teeth can be a stressful situation to face, but you can take comfort in knowing that there are a few tooth replacement options that can suit your needs and give you your smile back. Options such as dental implants can help you regain your ability to eat, talk, and smile properly, giving you the quality of life you deserve.
The Importance of Restorative Dental Procedures
Restorative dentistry is a term used to describe how dental professionals replace damaged or missing teeth. With restorative dentistry procedures, there are a variety of benefits including:
- Empty spaces are filled to keep teeth properly aligned.
- Makes maintaining good oral health easier.
- Boosts self-esteem while improving your health and appearance.
Common restorative options include
dental implants, dentures, crowns, and bridges.
Dental Implants: What You Need to Know
Dental implants are a great option if you are missing one or multiple teeth. The dental implant consists of a titanium rod that is used to anchor your false tooth or teeth into your jawbone, providing you with strong support for your teeth.
After the anchor is inserted, a false tooth is put into place to complete your smile. This process can take months to complete. The titanium rod must first fuse with your jawbone before the implant can be placed. This restorative option looks and feels like a natural tooth, and with a strong base, you can confidently eat, drink, and smile without worrying about the implant shifting or moving.
Maintaining jaw strength or facial shape can be achieved with dental implants. Dental implants require strong gums and jawbones to support the implant. If you have a weaker jawbone, you will need a bone graft prior to having dental implants inserted.
Other Restorative Options vs. Dental Implants
In addition to dental implants, there are a variety of other options for replacing missing or damaged teeth. Other options include:
Dentures
This is an option commonly used for people who have lost all of their teeth. Modern dentures have a natural look and feel and are made from a gum-colored acrylic base with natural-looking false teeth. Dentures provide you with a new smile as well as comfort and functionality.
Dentures can also be attached to implants to anchor them to your jaws for a more secure fit.
Crowns
Crowns are tooth-shaped caps that are placed onto teeth. A crown is used to protect and strengthen your tooth structure. These are commonly used for people who have a cavity or a broken or damaged tooth. To get a crown, your dentist will prepare your tooth, take an impression, and the crown will be created in a lab by a specialist.
Bridges
With a dental bridge, your dentist can bridge the gap between your natural teeth and where your teeth are missing. A bridge consists of a crown on each end that serves as anchors with artificial teeth that connect the crowns and fills in the gap.
By filling in the gap, the bridge helps keeps your other teeth from moving out of alignment and functions like your natural teeth.
Which Restorative Option is Best for Me?
For those with damaged or broken teeth, crowns are a great option. If you are missing a few teeth that have caused a gap, your dentist may recommend a bridge to correct this.
If you have lost all of your teeth, dentures may be recommended to restore your smile and ability to eat and speak properly. If you opt for dentures, be sure to take them out before going to bed to allow your gums and jaws time to rest. Dentures should also be cleaned often to maintain their appearance.
For patients only missing one a few teeth, dental implants can provide a strong replacement. You can brush a floss your dental implants that same as natural teeth and can expect the dental implants to last up to 25 years.
Ultimately, you should schedule a consultation at Bamonte Oral Surgery for examination and allow your doctor to determine the best option for your particular needs. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
Dr. John A. Bamonte, a native of the Pittsburgh area, is a graduate of Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences. He then attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and finished in the top 10 of his class in 1984 with the degree of Doctor of Dental Medicine. Through 1985, Dr. Bamonte practiced general dentistry with his father in Natrona Heights and concurrently earned a Master of Science degree in Anatomy/Histology at the University of Pittsburgh.
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Dr. John A. Bamonte, a native of the Pittsburgh area, is a graduate of Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences. He then attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and finished in the top 10 of his class in 1984 with the degree of Doctor of Dental Medicine. Through 1985, Dr. Bamonte practiced general dentistry with his father in Natrona Heights and concurrently earned a Master of Science degree in Anatomy/Histology at the University of Pittsburgh.
