Dealing With Missing Teeth: Dental Implants, Bridges & Dentures

• Dental Implants

Dental implants are a great option for replacing a single tooth and do not affect the health of surrounding teeth. Immediately after a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone’s density begins to diminish. In some cases, bone may have to be grafted from the jaw prior to the installation of dental implants. After all preparation work is complete, a titanium root is installed to replace the tooth’s natural root. An artificial tooth is then attached to the titanium root. Because dental implants are integrated into the jawbone, they feel more natural and are more stable than other replacement options; dental implants also prevent further bone loss.

• Bridges

A fixed bridge replaces a missing tooth with an artificial tooth that is attached to the surrounding teeth for support. A full bridge may be used to replace a full set of missing teeth. If there are no teeth remaining to affix the bridge to, dental implants are installed and full bridges are attached permanently to these.

• Dentures

full denturesare often used for patients who have lost the majority of their teeth. With a full denture, the patient’s remaining teeth are removed and the dentures replace all teeth. Overdentures are another option for those who have lost many of their teeth. These fit over a patient’s remaining teeth or attach to partial implants. Because implant-supported dentures have titanium roots that are attached to the jawbone, the bone is kept healthy and the deterioration that can occur with conventional dentures is prevented.
Consulting your dentist in Chicago is the first step toward achieving a new smile. If you are concerned about missing or damaged teeth and live in the Chicago area, call Art of Modern Dentistry at (312) 361-0683 today.