When you lose an adult tooth, it’s very important for your oral health to replace the missing tooth with something to maintain the open space. Missing teeth can affect the way you bite, speak, and eat and have negative impacts on your self-confidence. Headaches and jaw pain are also commonly associated with missing teeth. There are many options available to replace missing teeth and have you smiling again in no time!
Missing teeth can be replaced on a temporary or permanent basis. If you are unsure which method is best for you, Dr. Elias is happy to meet with you to discuss your treatment options.
A fixed bridge is a connected set of replacement teeth. It is cemented on top of the teeth on either side of the missing space for protection. This is a wonderful option for patients who only have a few missing teeth and are looking for a simple, quick procedure.
Flippers are common among children and young adults whose mouths are still growing and may not be able to withstand an implant surgery. The concept is simple: a plastic tooth is placed into a plastic retainer for easy insertion and removal.
Metal partials are a sturdier alternative to a flipper. They are made from a partial denture cast in metal and plastic and held in place using wire clips.
Detachable or implant-held dentures are a convenient option for addressing missing teeth. These dental implants make it more comfortable to talk and eat with self-assurance and revitalize the appearance of your smile following tooth loss. Full dentures replace each of the teeth in the top arch, lower arch, or both; however, partial dentures are employed when a number of the real teeth are still intact in the jawbone.
Dental implants are surgically fused into the jawbone with a titanium post, providing a long-term replacement for a damaged or missing tooth.