Missing teeth detract from your appearance and make eating and speaking more difficult. If not replaced, they will result in loss of space by drifting of adjacent teeth into this space, which gives rise to food accumulation, difficulty in cleaning the teeth and hence resulting in decay and tartar formation. Chewing pressure in such cases is not evenly distributed which leads to destruction of gum and bone.
Denture is a set of removable artificial teeth that rest directly on gums. It is of two types:
a. Partial Dentures : Are best for people having several missing teeth and whose adjacent teeth are not strong enough to support a bridge.
b. Full Dentures : To replace all the teeth in the jaw, taking support from bone and gums.
Bridges are tooth replacements attached to adjoining natural teeth to replace missing tooth/teeth. The adjoining supporting teeth are required to be healthy and have good gum and root support.
Implants are artificial tooth supports surgically fixed in the jaw to replace any number of missing teeth. This procedure is best for patients not comfortable with conventional dentures but have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the Implant. Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth; no one will ever know that you have replacements teeth. When teeth are missing, the surrounding bone begins to shrink and eventually your jawbone will recede. Dental implants can prevent deterioration of the jawbone caused by loss of teeth, and your face will retain its natural shape.
Dental implants do not sacrifice the quality of your adjacent teeth like a traditional bridge. More of your own teeth are left untouched, an important long-term benefit to your oral health. If you have one or more missing teeth and generally good oral health, you are likely a candidate for a Dental Implant. A consultation with your dentist will clarify what type of treatment you require.
Once the implant has integrated into your jawbone, in a simple procedure, the implant is uncovered and a post is attached to it. Impressions (models) of your upper and lower jaw are taken and sent to a laboratory for the creation of your new tooth/teeth.
Dental implants will require the same care as your natural teeth. In order to keep your implant healthy, proper brushing and flossing still apply!