Multiple Teeth Replacement with Dental Implants
Honolulu
Losing multiple teeth can happen for a variety of reasons. You may lose teeth as a result of gum disease, tooth decay, facial trauma or other issues. No matter how it happens, the effects are the same. Tooth loss impacts the quality of your smile and can lead to a loss of confidence. Biting and chewing becomes more difficult. Your speech is affected. Tooth loss also leads to bone loss in the jaw. This can lead to other issues, including a shifting bite and changes in your facial shape. Replacing missing teeth is essential for restoring the functions of your mouth, your oral health, and your smile. At Pacific Maxillofacial Center, we can replace your multiple missing teeth with dental implants.
Traditional Options for Replacing Multiple Teeth
Traditionally, multiple missing teeth have been replaced in one of two ways, bridges or partial dentures. Bridges replace one to three missing teeth. It is a single unit that consists of replacement teeth set between two dental crowns. The dental crowns anchor the bridge onto the teeth adjacent to the missing teeth, holding it securely in place. Partial dentures are a removable prosthesis that consists of a gum-colored base that supports acrylic resin teeth. The base is supported by your gums. The denture also has metal clasps that attach to your natural teeth, providing additional support. Both options restore the basic functions of your teeth as well as your smile, but they cannot stop bone loss in the jaw. As a result, periodic replacements are needed.
Dental implants are a more recent option for replacing missing teeth. They are the most popular choice, offering numerous benefits over traditional treatments. They consist of three components. The actual implant is a small titanium post that is implanted into the jawbone. It relies on the fusion of your bone to the post for stability. An abutment is placed at the end of the implant and provides stability for the final component, the crown. The crown, usually made from ceramic, replaces the exposed portion of your missing tooth, restoring your abilities to eat and speak, as well as the appearance of your smile.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer several benefits.
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They restore the functions of your mouth and your smile.
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They look and feel completely natural.
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They are more comfortable than traditional treatments.
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They do not require special maintenance outside of a regular oral care routine.
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They securely hold your teeth in place. Your teeth will not slip or fall out.
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The implant functions like your natural tooth root and stimulates the jawbone. This stops bone loss and helps to keep your jaw healthy.
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They do not require any preparation of the surrounding teeth. |
Replacing Your Teeth with Dental Implants
Dental implants require a surgical procedure. Before we begin, we administer a local anesthetic and provide sedation, if needed. When we are ready to begin, we make small incisions in your gums, exposing the jawbone. Holes are drilled into the bone, and the implants are placed. The number of implants you need depends upon how many teeth are being replaced and the condition of your bone. Finally, the gums are sutured closed around the implants.
Your recovery from implant surgery varies. It can take anywhere from 2-6 months. We will monitor the fusion of your bone to the implants periodically to make sure the implants are integrating properly. Once fusion is complete, we then begin the process of placing your permanent replacement teeth. Impressions of the teeth and implant(s) are taken. The impressions are sent to a dental lab, where your teeth are created. Once they are finished, your dentist will secure your teeth to the implants with small screws.
Dental implants provide a revolutionary treatment that offers numerous benefits over traditional treatments for multiple tooth replacement. They are also an amazing treatment for single tooth replacement if you're only missing one tooth. If you are interested in learning more about dental implants or finding out if they are the right solution for you, call Pacific Maxillofacial Center, today at 808-585-8455
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