If you are missing teeth, getting the spaced filled as soon as possible is very important for your oral health. Here are some tooth replacement options to choose from.
If you don't fill the space left behind by a missing tooth, the surrounding teeth can shift out of their proper position. It can also cause the supporting structures of the teeth, in particular the jaw bone, to deteriorate over time, resulting in facial collapse.
We offer the following tooth replacement options at Surdel Dental Centre:
Dentures: Full & Partial
Dentures are removable dental appliances that replace missing teeth and the tissue surrounding them.
Full dentures replace a full upper or a full lower jaw of teeth. Partial dentures replace a single missing tooth, or a few in a row.
Once upon a time, dentures used to be made out all sorts of strange materials, such as lead, human teeth, cow teeth, and even elephant ivory. Fortunately, today we have access to better materials!
These days, dentures can be made of a variety of medical grade materials, mostly different types of resin, or porcelain. The framework that supports the teeth of the dentures is usually made of a rigid acrylic resin, or a flexible nylon polymer.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are somewhat similar to dentures, but are permanently affixed to the teeth on either side of the gap. They literally "bridge" the gap left by missing teeth.
A bridge is made up of false teeth (pontics), which can be made of gold, porcelain, alloys, or a combination of these materials. They are attached by two or more crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap, called the abutment teeth.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are also permanent tooth replacements. A dental implant is essentially a tiny titanium rod that is implanted into the jawbone, and capped with a dental crown.
Dental Implants look, feel and function just like natural teeth do. With proper care, they’ll last you a lifetime.