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Typically, the replacement of lost
teeth is a functional improvement. Replacing lost
teeth helps keep teeth in their correct positions
(prevents shifting of teeth), maintains and restores
proper muscular, joint, bone and gum function and
also improves chewing. Possible options to replace
missing teeth include:
- Partial
Dentures
When some teeth are missing or require removal,
but other teeth are healthy and strong and can
be used as anchor teeth, a Cast Metal
Removable Partial Denture may be the
appropriate choice. Removable Partial Dentures
stay in place with metal clasps that are fitted
around your natural teeth or with precision attachments
that are less visible. Often a combination of
Crown(s) and a Removable Partial Denture are used
to help the anchor teeth support the partial denture
or to provide for the precision attachments. Removable
Partials should be removed at night while sleeping
to allow the gum tissues to breathe. Generally,
Removable Partial Dentures are not as stable as
other “fixed” options.
- Immediate
or Complete Full Dentures
When complete tooth loss has occurred or is impending,
replacement of all upper and/or lower teeth can
be provided with the use of Full Denture(s)
(often called a “plate”). Full Dentures
are typically made of a pink plastic (acrylic)
base into which plastic teeth are placed. Every
effort will be made to choose denture teeth that
are the appropriate size and shape of your natural
teeth that have been or will removed. An
Immediate Denture is made before the
teeth are removed and is available for immediate
placement the day the teeth are taken out. Full
Denture(s) should be removed at night while sleeping
to let the tissues breathe and preserve the jaw
bone.
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- Fixed
(stationary) Bridgework
Fixed Bridgework is a Porcelain Fused to Metal
restoration, which spans the space where one or
more teeth are missing. The Bridgework is anchored
by and cemented to the teeth on either side of
the space. The anchor teeth serve to support the
bridge once the bridge is cemented in place. A
Bridge can involve three “teeth” (two
anchor teeth with a replacement tooth in the middle)
or more and in some cases a complete upper and/or
lower arch. The Fixed Bridge offers a “non-removable”
alternative for tooth replacement as you do not
have to remove the bridge at night, however, the
bridge may require replacement in the future.
Therefore, maintenance (home care) of the anchor
teeth while the bridge is in place is critical.
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- Dental
Implants
Another option for those who have experienced
single, multiple or complete tooth loss is the
implantation of titanium post(s) into the jawbone.
The bone fuses to the post(s) which act as anchors
to support individual Porcelain Crowns, Fixed
Bridges and/or Removable Partial or Full Dentures.
Candidates for Dental Implants should generally
be in good physical and mental health and have
adequate bone at the implant site. If not enough
bone is present for implant placement, the patient
may be able to add bone through a procedure
called bone grafting. Once Dental Implants are
placed, they are typically allowed to heal for
4-6 months depending on the area and temporary
tooth replacement is sometimes used. After healing,
the process of building the crown (or bridge
or denture framework) can begin. Often Dental
Implant replacement can be achieved in about
8-12 months and in certain circumstances more
or less time is needed.
Dental Implants have been used for forty years
and have been in the United States since the
early 1980’s. Today, Dental Implants offer
patients replacement options only dreamed about
by past generations. The process is almost always
done in-office with local anesthesia (novacaine)
and/or other sedation as determined by a qualified
surgeon (usually an Oral Surgeon or Periodontist).
Dr. McKinney typically provides the pre-treatment
work which is important to the restoration of
your replacement teeth.
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The following is
an overview of the implant possibilities:
- Fixed
(stationary) Bridgework:
Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns linked together
and supported by two or more Dental Implants replacing
two or more missing teeth. Bridgework can in some
cases replace an entire lost dentition (upper
and/or lower teeth).
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- Bar
& Clip Supported Full or Partial Dentures:
Two or more Dental Implants support a metal bar
that the Removable Partial or Full Denture clips
onto. This offers denture stability by preventing
or limiting denture movement, sore spots and improving
function, speech and comfort.
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- Spark
Erosion Denture:
For those with Full Dentures or needing Full Denture(s),
this is an Implant Supported Denture System that
offers even more stability than the Bar &
Clip System. The appliance “locks”
onto a metal bar and is secured in place and no
denture pressure is felt.
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Dr. McKinney can recommend and provide replacement
options best suited for your individual circumstances.
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