Tooth Replacement Options Part 3 Removable Partials

An option that is a little harder to adjust to is a removable partial. It has the replacement teeth attached to a base and has clasps that hook on to your supporting teeth to help hold it in place in your mouth. You take it in and out to clean it and at night. It takes a little while to get used to because it can affect your speech at first and may feel tight or weird but should get better over time. If not, the dentist can make adjustments for you until the fit is just right.

Tooth Replacement Options Part 2 Bridges

For those people who are not candidates for an implant, a bridge is another option. A bridge is a “floating” crown that replaces missing teeth called pontics and are supported by crowns on the teeth on either side of them called retainers. The first visit consists of coming in and having the retainer teeth prepped for crowns and an impression taken and sent to a dental lab for the final bridge to be made. You will leave this appointment with temporary crowns to maintain and support teeth in the time it takes the lab to make the bridge which is usually 2 weeks. You then come back and we try in the final bridge and make sure the fit and look is right and permanently cement it. You can’t get cavities in crowns but you can get cavities underneath them so it is important to properly clean around them to prevent further problems.

Tooth Replacement Options Part 1 Implants

 

There are several options to replacing missing teeth in your mouth. The first option is an implant. An implant is a titanium screw that is placed down in the bone with an abutment and crown that fit on top to act and look as a real tooth. Not everyone is an ideal candidate for implants. You must have adequate bone level for the support of the implant and overall good health. There are two steps in the implant process. First, you have the implant placed with an oral surgeon and depending on his prognosis there is a healing period of 4-6 months before the crown and abutment can be placed. Next you see your dentist for an impression to have an implant crown made and seated with cement a few weeks later. Implants still need to be flossed and brushed like regular teeth to maintain gum health but you cannot get cavities in them.

Your gum health

Around every tooth there is a ”pocket” between your gums and tooth. At your first visit in a dental office and once a year there is a measurement taken of that pocket to determine your gum health. A “healthy” or “normal” measurement is anywhere from 1 to 3 millimeters in depth. These pocket depths are still shallow enough for saliva and water to disrupt the bacteria from growing. Studies have shown that anything deeper than that you are unable to keep clean yourself by brushing and flossing. Bacteria will sit in these deep pockets causing tartar to form and act like a barnacle, attaching itself to your tooth. 

 If left untreated for a certain amount of time you can start to lose bone and develop periodontal disease. When this happens, you will need what is called a “deeper cleaning” to properly remove bacteria and allow the gums to heal and go back to healthy pocket depths. You will also need to be put on a “maintenance” program where you come in every 3-4 months for a cleaning instead of 6 to keep on top of bacteria and to keep the gums health so they can heal properly.

The Importance of Regular Dental Care

There are often misconceptions among patients on dental cleanings and how regularly you should come in for care. “I have an electric toothbrush at home and that cleans them really well so I don’t need to come in” or “Nothing is hurting me and I brush them so I get them clean enough” is often what we hear today from patients. The fact of the matter is that while brushing and flossing regularly is recommended, that can only do so much after time.

When you come in regularly, we are able to stay on top of bacteria using special instruments that are able to clean out the pockets and kill bacteria. We use a cavitron which removes any tartar and build up by the combination of spraying water and vibrating it off of your teeth. We then have scalers which remove any build up in harder to reach places between the teeth. We also use what is called a diode laser which acts like a little flashlight we shine all around the tooth down in the pockets. After using the cavitron, there is saliva, bacteria and on some occasions blood left over in the pockets. The laser gets just hot enough to kill the bacteria left over after using the cavitron without causing any pain to you. It has been shown to be very beneficial especially when used after deeper cleanings and maintenance appointments. Coming in regularly and staying on top of your cleanings will help you maintain the longevity of your teeth and your overall health.