Replacing Missing Teeth Arana Hills & Samford

Replacement of Missing Teeth

There are a variety of ways you can replace a missing tooth. Options include a removable denture, fixed bridge, or a dental implant. Our knowledgeable clinicians can consult and guide you along a path tailored made for you.

We also consult and work closely with specialists to ensure you are being provided with the best treatment options and the highest standard of care.

While we can offer great options for replacing missing teeth, we must stress that at the end of the day there is nothing better than your natural tooth.

If you need any further information on the below prosthetic devices please don’t hesitate to contact our clinic for a consultation.

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Dentures

Our teeth pay a significant role and impact how we live our life. They influence our quality of life, including our appearance, how we speak and eat, as well as our self-esteem and confidence. If we lose a tooth or many teeth, one way of replacing them is through removable dentures (false teeth).
Dentures are a cost-effective replacement option for missing teeth in people of all ages. They are typically made of acrylic resin material, but sometimes they are made of acrylic combined with a slimline framework made of Cobalt Chrome, a lightweight metal. Either material will ensure a design that replicates your natural teeth.
There are typically 3 types of dentures:

Full denture – complete removable set of false teeth, can be for upper, lower or both jaws
Partial denture – partial set of removable false teeth that clip on to your existing teeth.
Implant-retained denture – A full or partial denture that is anchored to an implant.

Bridges

Bridges are a strong, stable and permanently fixed alternative to dentures. They can replace single or multiple missing teeth, depending on the situation. Essentially a bridge is a prosthetic device constructed by two crowns with a “floating” crown connected in between. Traditionally a bridge is placed over natural teeth either side of a missing tooth, to restore the gap created by a missing tooth. The aim of a bridge is to restore function and aesthetics to look like a normal tooth. With the advancements of dental implants, a bridge can also be constructed using one or more dental implants to support the prosthetic device

Implant Restoration

A dental implant is a surgical dental procedure performed to replace a missing tooth. Unlike removable dentures, implants are permanently placed into your jawbone and then restored with a crown to replicate a natural tooth. Dental implants can also be used to hold dentures in place (implant-retained denture) or complete a bridge prosthetic device (implant-retained bridge). Our clinicians at Admire Dentistry work closely with trusted specialists to ensure your implant procedure and restoration is a pleasant experience.
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Our Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need to replace my missing tooth?

It’s highly recommended. You’re not merely missing a tooth, but the quality of your life, including your appearance, how you speak and eat, as well as your self-esteem and confidence. With Admire Dentistry, we will offer you a tailored teeth replacement based on your needs.

Can you get a denture only for one tooth?

Absolutely. Admire Dentistry offers partial dentures.

Is a bridge the same as a crown?

A bridge and a crown are different dental treatments. A crown covers and restores a damaged or root canal-treated tooth, and it is placed over a single tooth. A bridge is similar to a crown in that it requires the crowning of a tooth on either side of a space, and then an interconnected artificial tooth replaces the missing tooth in between. While bridges incorporate crowns, they serve distinct purposes.

Are there different types of dental bridges available?

There are several types of dental bridges:

Traditional Bridges: The most common type, consisting of one or more pontics (artificial teeth) held in place by dental crowns cemented onto adjacent natural teeth. The most common bridge replaces a single missing tooth by crowning one tooth on either side and supporting a pontic in the middle that replaces that missing tooth.
Cantilever Bridges: Similar to traditional bridges but supported by a single crown on one side only, then a pontic (artificial tooth) hangs off the side. Usually only in the anterior of the mouth and reproduces a natural smile that is easy to clean around.
Maryland Bridges: Use a framework of either metal or porcelain that is bonded onto the backs of the adjacent teeth. No removal of tooth structure or crowning of the adjacent teeth is required. A pontic (artificial tooth) hangs off the bonded framework.
Implant-Supported Bridges: Supported by dental implants rather than crowns on natural teeth. Typically, instead of crowned teeth supporting the bridge, like a traditional bridge, you’ll have implants supporting the bridge. This works well when you have multiple missing teeth but good bone thickness to support multiple implants.

Each type has its advantages, and the best choice depends on the location and number of missing teeth, as well as individual factors. Contact Admire Dentistry for a consult to discover what treatment is best suited to you.

What can I expect during the dental bridge/implant process?

The dental implant-supported bridge procedure replaces missing teeth using implants in the jaw bone and a bridge that looks like teeth to restore aesthetics and function. After assessment and implant placement, a healing period allows implants to integrate with the jawbone. Abutments are then attached, followed by digital impressions for a custom bridge. The bridge that matches natural teeth is then secured onto the implant using specific abutments, restoring function and appearance. The procedure offers lasting benefits like improved chewing and aesthetics. Variations may occur based on individual needs and techniques. Please consult with Dr Mick at Admire Dentistry to determine the best treatment plan for you.

What’s recovery like after the dental bridge/implant procedure?

After a dental implant-supported bridge, expect initial discomfort, swelling, and minor bleeding. The healing phase involves osseointegration, which usually takes up to several months. During this process, follow a soft diet, avoid certain foods, and attend regular check-ups. Good oral hygiene is vital for long-term maintenance, and our hygiene team at Admire Dentistry is committed to facilitating this for you.

Attending your routine dental exam and clean appointments is vital for the longevity of your implant-supported bridge. With time, you’ll gradually regain full chewing function and comfort.

How long do tooth-supported fixed bridges typically last?

Tooth-supported fixed bridges (using your natural teeth to support a dental bridge, not an implant) can last for a significant duration, often ranging from 5 to 15 years or even longer, with proper care. The lifespan depends on factors such as oral hygiene practices, diet, habits, and the quality of the bridge itself. Regular dental check-ups and maintenance play a crucial role in ensuring the longevity of the bridge. Over time, wear and tear might cause required adjustments or replacements, but with diligent care, a tooth-supported fixed bridge can provide functional and aesthetic benefits for many years.

Is bridge or implant better?

Bridges are quicker, less invasive, and often cheaper if adjacent teeth are not affected. Implants requiring surgery offer a long-lasting solution that preserves the jawbone and feels natural but might cost more upfront and need sufficient bone density. Personal needs and oral health determine the best choice. Consult with our dentist, Dr Mick Curtis, for all your implant and bridge questions. He will educate you to make the best-informed decision.