Teeth Replacement
Teeth replacement becomes necessary when a decayed or damaged tooth cannot be restored. Sometimes, it also happens that a patient himself / herself chooses teeth replacement over extensive treatment for saving damaged teeth.
Why is teeth replacement important?
Teeth replacement is important because:
Teeth loss can affect chewing and also our general health.
It will restore the normal appearance of our front teeth and consequently the aesthetics of our smile.
The adjacent teeth in the space of lost tooth may drift and tilt in the space.
The tooth in the opposite jaw of the lost-tooth-space may over-grow and cause several problems in the future.
The front teeth of your mouth may get forced forward due to lost teeth.
What are the different types of teeth replacement techniques available today?
There are many teeth replacement techniques available. The method that is used to replace teeth depends upon size of the gap, position of the gap and presence / absence of the adjoining teeth. The most commonly used teeth replacement procedures are:
Bridge: It is a fixed teeth replacement procedure. According to this procedure, a bridge is held in the gap by the supporting teeth on either side of the gap. It is also known as fixed bridge.
Removable Denture: It is another common procedure of teeth replacement. These dentures are removable in nature and are either partial or full.
Dental Implant: This procedure can replace one / more than one teeth by inserting a fine rod of metal into the jaw bone (upper or lower). By the help of this, a natural tooth root can be replaced to support a denture or crown. These are permanent in nature and thus help you in getting back your youthful look.
What are the advantages of bridges, as teeth replacement technique?
Bridges generally last for more than fifteen years and look absolutely permanent as well as perfect
It helps in proper chewing and grinding of foods
Bridges help in filling up the lost-teeth-space and consequently prevents accumulation of food particles that can carry germs and cause gum diseases
Bridges help in preventing erosion and unwanted movement of neighboring normal teeth of the lost-tooth-space
These can help you to avoid distortion in natural speech tone, caused due to tooth loss
Why should you go for removable partial dentures?
You should go for removable partial dentures because:
They are less expensive than other teeth replacement techniques
They can improve your facial appearance
They can be removed whenever a person wants
Partial removable dentures are clasped with the remaining teeth of your mouth and thus can be removed by the person whenever he / she wants
What are the advantages of Dental Implants as teeth replacement procedure?
If you have lost one or more teeth then dental implant can be the best option of teeth replacement. Some of its advantages are mentioned below:
Esthetics of your youthful smile is restored through dental implants. As these implants are permanent in nature, it helps you in getting back the original dental structure.
The adjacent teeth of the lost tooth get support from the implants and thus save them from erosion.
Success rate of dental implants is more than 95% and lasts for lifetime, giving you a permanent teeth replacement solution.
Teeth loss creates eating and speaking trouble, and consequently negatively affects your comfort as well as confidence. However, dental implant will surely help you in getting back your shiny smile, comfort and confidence.
What are the different dental procedures that are required before teeth replacement?
There are several dental procedures that are required before teeth replacement and they are:
Oral Diagnosis: Before going for teeth replacement, a comprehensive treatment plan is required. Thus, dental radiology and other means are required to assess teeth, jaw and mouth condition of the patient. Oral diagnosis is generally done for extra-oral and intra-oral examination, dental examination and periodontal examination. This comprehensive diagnosis procedure involves the following steps:
Interviewing the patient
Gathering data
Analysis of the data
Development of hypothesis
Establishment of the diagnosis
Formulation of comprehensive treatment plan
Endodontics: Root canal treatment may be required for other teeth of the affected area so that a crown can be placed for anchoring a partial denture or bridge.
Oral Surgery: Gum tissue or bone may need reshaping.
Orthodontics: If your teeth are crooked or crowded or too much spaced then they may be required to be straightened prior to the attachment of bridges, as a teeth replacement solution.
Periodontics: If there are deep pockets of infection or deficiency of tooth structure above your adjacent teeths’ gum then you may have to undergo a surgery, called crown lengthening, before placing a bridge for teeth replacement.
These are some of the frequently asked questions regarding teeth replacement.
