Options to replace one tooth (or a mouthful of missing teeth) are indistinguishable from the “real thing”
At Innovative Dental Care, we enjoy partnering with individuals from throughout Omaha, Nebraska, and the surrounding metro area. We get to know their needs. So, we can best protect the health of their teeth and the appearance of their smiles. However, we generally advise prompt tooth replacement when teeth are “too far gone” to be repaired. And our dentist, Dr. Summer is skilled at many modern techniques to rebuild a single tooth, a few teeth, or a mouthful of missing or soon-to-be-extracted teeth.
Options to replace a single tooth
Depending on the location of the missing tooth, we may recommend either a conventional dental bridge or an implant-supported dental crown. The bridge is made with at least one pontic (or replacement tooth) and two or more dental crowns. The pontic is bonded to the teeth on either side of the gap where the missing tooth used to be. Once the crowns are cemented to these teeth, the pontic fills the gap and replaces the missing tooth. In other words, the neighboring teeth act like “anchors” to hold the pontic in place. All crowns require the removal of natural tooth structure. So, the crown fits on top of the treated teeth properly. In turn, traditional bridges are not the most conservative or tooth-preserving option. However, they are a relatively cost-effective and fast way to fill the gaps between teeth and restore proper chewing function, a complete smile, and patients’ self-confidence. This form of tooth replacement can last for many years with adequate care (and cleaning underneath the bridge).
Crowns supported by dental implants do not require the alteration of existing teeth. They are designed like natural teeth; the implant is placed in the jaw and naturally joins the bone. So, it can then function as a tooth root. Once the crown is connected to the implant, it is firmly “rooted” in place.
Options to replace a few teeth, or a mouthful
Dental implants are highly versatile. As few as four implants may be used to support or hold an entire upper or lower denture in place. These implants are strategically positioned to provide maximum support to the denture with the least trauma to the mouth. A dental bridge can also be supported with precisely-planned and placed implants. This may be appropriate for patients with a few or many missing or irreparably-damaged teeth.
When properly fitted to your mouth, conventional partial or complete dentures can also be comfortable and allow for proper chewing and other functions. They can also look quite lifelike. These dentures are held in place with suction, adhesive products, or specialized clasps that attach to remaining teeth (as needed).
These are not your parents’ or grandparents’ dentures options! We encourage you to contact Innovative Dental Care at (402) 933-8005 today to schedule an appointment. You’ll be one big step closer to a smile that you can be proud of and that allows you to lead the fullest life possible.