Options for tooth replacement
Removable Option
Dentures
Dentures either made from acrylic (supported only by the
soft tissues) or a combination of intricate Cobalt chrome
framework and acrylic (supported by teeth and the soft
tissues) can be used to replace both missing hard (teeth)and
soft tissue (gums).
Dentures can be a cost effective way of replacing multiple missing teeth and it it posssible to produce a natural looking appearance.
It is important to note that dentures ideally should be removed at night and they will require modification (relining, adjustment) as the tissues in your mouth change over time.There is also more demand on your personal adaptability to be able to be comfortable with dentures.
Many studies show that dentures tend to have a negative impact on the surrounding tissues unless the dentures have been well constructed and maintained in a healthy oral environment. It is vital that excellent oral hygiene be maintained and that you attend regularly for review and examination.
Fixed Options
Utilizing Other Teeth Bridges
Bridgework allows for replacement of missing teeth and
is designed not to be removed by the patient. There are
various designs of bridges. The design and type of bridge
is dependent upon the individual clinical situation. For
bridgework to be successful long term, your mouth should
be healthy and abutment teeth (teeth adjacent to the space
created by the missing tooth/ teeth) need to have a good
long term prognosis following preparation.
A. Resin Retained
Bridges
The most conservative type of bridge is a Resin Retained
Bridge (“sticky bridge”). It usually consists
of single or multiple “wings” of metal which
can be bonded onto the back of abutment teeth. Attached
to the framework would be the “false” tooth/
teeth.
These types of bridges are considered very conservative since they require very little, if any, tooth preparation. However, there is a tendency for these bridges to de-cement. They can usually be re-cemented without much trouble. We generally recommend that you keep with you an emergency denture in case of de-cementation of the bridge.
With multiple winged designs it is essential that they
are frequently monitored as de-cementation of 1 wing could
mean that the bridge stays in place but decay could develop
without awareness behind the de-cemented wing.
This option of tooth replacement is relatively quick to
implement (2-3 weeks) and is the least expensive methods
of fixed tooth replacement.
B. Fixed- fixed
or fixed- movable bridges
Fixed-fixed or fixed-movable bridgework can be a successful
long term method of tooth replacement.
However, this type of bridgework requires significant preparation of the abutment teeth, which could compromise their longer term survival. It may be regarded as quite a destructive type of treatment option since at least 2 of your natural teeth would need to be prepared in order to replace a single tooth. This treatment option is quickly becoming out of favour since the use of dental implants which are a very predictable option for tooth replacement but without the biological cost associated with fixed bridgework.
Providing the mouth is in a suitable condition, fixed bridgework can be provided relatively quickly (2-3weeks). Fixed bridgework usually requires a provisional (temporary) bridge for diagnostic purposes as well as an interim prosthesis before and during construction of a definitive bridge.
Fixed bridgework may be regarded as a moderately expensive financially.
Fixed Option
Without Utilizing Other Teeth Dental implants
Implants are now considered the gold standard for tooth
replacement. They have a good long-term prognosis and
no negative impact on the surrounding dentition.
Dental implants are essentially replacement "roots"
which can be inserted into the jaw bone. After a certain
time period (usually between 3-6 months) these roots become
integrated with the bone and can then be used to provide
replacement of teeth. A crown, a bridge or a denture can
be attached to implants to replace missing teeth.
Dental implants require a certain volume of bone. If there
is not enough bone volume present then there are various
grafting techniques in order to help provide conditions
for implant treatment.
As with all dental treatment, assessment and diagnosis
are the key to success. Depending upon your situation
you may require a CT scan and other diagnostics.
Many people worry about finance related to implant treatment.
At Cranbrook House we are happy to provide personalized
payment plans to suit the needs of our clients. We endevour
to try to make it possible for our clients to have the
most appropriate treatment for their biological situation
rather than accepting an option because it is less expensive
financially but more expensive biologically.
Gum Disease
Tooth Decay
Prevention
Dental Implants
Cosmetic Treatments
