In the past, your option to replace a missing tooth or teeth was not such a clear choice. If you wanted teeth that you did not have to take out at night, your options were limited to a bridge. A bridge is cemented to the teeth on both sides of the space from the missing teeth. This is accomplished by cutting down healthy teeth. This method could result in the adjacent teeth needing endodontic treatment (root canals). Also, if the support teeth are not ideally positioned, orthodontic treatment may be needed to properly align them for a bridge.
Teeth that are removable at night include complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures gain their support from the remaining gums and bone, while partial dentures gain their support from the gums, bone and remaining teeth. Due to the pressure on these supporting structures, the bone underneath this area shrinks at a higher rate over time. As the bone shrinks, the removable appliance loosens and causes further damage to the supporting teeth and gums. With full dentures this bone support is lost even quicker. Wearing full dentures is much like having size 9 feet and having to walk around in size 12 shoes. Imagine trying to move in that situation!
Dental implants are the best solution to correct the problems that are the downside to bridgework and dentures! Dental implants have a variety of uses and can be used to replace a single or many missing teeth. They can even be used underneath dentures with special attachments to hold your dentures securely. Now, it’s like having size 9 shoes on your size 9 feet. Dental implants have become one of the most successful treatment options in the history of dentistry. The most important feature of the implants is they replace the stimulation to the bone that is lost with the removal of a tooth. This results in maintaining bone levels for the best esthetics and function. Any university-associated dentist will tell you how dental implant techniques are now being taught in every dental school across the country.
Dr. Fitton & Dr. May have been providing implant services to their patients for over 18 years. We use several implant systems including Nobel Biocare, Implant Direct, Strauman, BioHorizons, Zimmer & Biomet 3i to custom design a treatment plan for our patients. In most cases the implants can easily be placed in under an hour, and only with local anesthetics. More information on dental implants can be found on our Dental implant page, or by setting up an appointment at (847) 381-3927.