Why Replace Missing Teeth?
If you lose a tooth, your speech and chewing ability will be affected. A missing tooth causes you to rely more on your other teeth, which may cause them to wear down prematurely. Missing teeth may also cause headaches and/or jaw pain.
Missing teeth can mar your health and appearance. When you lose a tooth, the jaw literally melts away. Within a year of tooth loss, people will lose about 25% of their supporting jawbone structure. Dental implants function just like your natural teeth. They preserve your bone structure, oral health, and appearance.
Tooth Replacement Options
Both temporary and long-term solutions are available to replace missing teeth.
X-rays of your jaw will be taken to evaluate whether there is enough bone structure to accommodate implants. Detailed X-rays will also determine if other tests or procedures are needed to place implants properly.
Fixed Bridge
A fixed bridge is a tooth replacement with a dental crown connected on either side. The crowns are placed on the teeth adjacent to the empty space. Some tooth enamel is usually removed from these teeth to allow room for the bridge.
Flipper
A “flipper” is a temporary, inexpensive, and fragile tooth replacement. It consists of a removable plastic tooth and retainer.
Metal Partial
A removable partial denture is cast in metal and plastic and is held in place by wire clips, so it is less fragile. You can remove and reinsert a partial denture as needed.
Denture
Complete dentures are the most common choice for those who are missing all of their teeth. While some adapt well to dentures, others think they are uncomfortable, or even intolerable, because of differences in jaw size and shape.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are more comfortable and permanent than the other options. The implant provides strong, permanent support for your tooth and maintains the bone structure in your jaw. Implants can support individual replacement teeth or anchor specialized dentures in place. Unlike bridges, no healthy teeth are altered. Unlike most restoration, implants can last a lifetime. Dental implants can be attractive, stable, and comfortable for almost any patient.
Surgical Advances
Using the latest advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Michael Shnayder is able to place single stage dental implants in Omaha, Nebraska. These implants require a minimum of six weeks of healing time before artificial teeth can be placed. Sometimes, the implant can be placed at the same time as the tooth extraction.
Dental implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. Dr. Michael Shnayder performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary. The restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent tooth replacement. Your dentist will also make any temporary tooth replacement needed during the implant process.
We invite you to contact Village Pointe Oral Surgery today to learn more and to schedule an appointment.
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