Even in such cases, don’t despair!
Other approaches are possible. Today, modern dentistry offers many alternatives to lost teeth, from the simplest and least expensive processes to the most demanding ones.
There is a wide range of treatments. Our services offering includes: porcelain-metal and zirconia bridges; combined dental prosthesis; or a complete dental prosthesis.
I. In Case of Complete Tooth Loss (Edentulism)
or WHEN THERE ARE FEW REMAINING TEETH IN POOR CONDITION or WHEN PATIENT SUFFERS FROM PARODONTOLOGY DISEASES AFFECTING THE GUMS AND TISSUE
Dentures
Replacing
missing teeth will help to improve your appearance and smile. Dentures are
custom-made replacements for missing teeth, when
there are no teeth left at all or, in other cases, when the number, position or
the condition of existing teeth is no longer enough to support a fixed dental
device. We use dentures only if – for some
reason – implantation is not an option.
Dentures are removable, so they can be taken out
and put back into your mouth. The most common problem with dentures is
the amount of time needed to get used to wearing them, and the fact that
they’ll probably never feel exactly the same as natural teeth. However, dental
medicine has gone to great lengths to improve the look and comfort of dentures,
making today’s dentures more natural looking and comfortable than ever before. Wearing them will give you the
benefit of eating and speaking more comfortably. Dentures require good oral hygiene
going forward.
Incase of edentulism there are two main type of dentures:
Full denture
With full dentures, a flesh-colored acrylic base fits over your gums. The base of the upper denture covers the palate (the roof of your mouth), while that of the lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to accommodate your tongue.
Overdenture
Overdentures are implant-supported, removable ones. One full arch denture is placed on four implants (which means that in case of edentulism, there are eight implants and two dentures). Overdentures are a more stable alternative to traditional denture fixtures. Typically, people already having a full denture (loose, uncomfortable, etc.) would opt for overdentures, as they are looking for a fixed solution; this technique gives the denture greater stability, support and retention.
II. In Case of Partial Tooth Loss (1-3 teeth)
Crowns, bridges
Crowns and bridges are fixed prosthetic devices. Unlike removable devices such as dentures, which you can be taken out and cleaned daily, crowns and bridges are cemented onto existing teeth (or implants), and can only be removed by a dentist.
III. In Case of Partial Tooth Loss (three or more teeth missing)
Solo implant or implants
Whether it’s one missing tooth or complete edentulism, implant placement is probably the most innovative method for treating tooth loss. For a healthy individual with good oral hygiene and good health, dental implants are highly successful, with reported success rates of 90-95%. Find out more about dental implantation HERE!
Partial dentures
A removable partial denture can be a good solution especially for patients that are facing an increased risk of tooth loss in the near future, or when surgery (implantation) is contraindicated.
Most partial dentures contain a thin metal framework that is designed to rest close to your gums. The framework is supported by your natural teeth. Where teeth are missing, natural-looking replacement crowns (see above) are attached to the frame, and gum-coloured acrylic is used to make the appliance blend in with the surroundings of your mouth. Fitting a partial denture is simple for both patients and dentists, as there’s usually no surgery involved. It is a cost-effective solution.
Again, the most common problem with them is the same issue for any other type of dentures: they take some time getting used to, and will never feel exactly the same as one’s natural teeth. It’s important to take good care of them so they stay clean; adopting a daily cleaning regime is important to keep them looking their best.