Replacement of Missing Teeth

Crowns and Bridges
A crown covers the entire tooth to restore it to its original or ideal shape and form. Crowns are needed when there is not enough tooth structure to support a filling. This can happen due to decay, fracture, or wear. A crown is also indicated on a cracked tooth to prevent further progression of the crack into the nerve or down the root, which could eventually lead to a root canal or loss of the tooth.

Crowns can be made of different materials. Gold crowns are very strong and biocompatible in the mouth. Gold crowns with porcelain over the top of them are more esthetic and resemble natural teeth. All porcelain crowns are the most esthetic and are almost imperceptible from natural teeth.

A bridge is an option to replace a missing tooth. Crowns are placed on the two adjacent teeth to the one missing and a pontic is connected in the middle, appearing to "grow" out of the gums. A bridge is not removable. It is permanently cemented into your mouth.

Implants
Learn more here.

Dentures and Partial Dentures
Dentures are removable replacements for natural teeth that come in and out of your mouth.

Immediate dentures are inserted immediately after the remaining teeth are removed. They offer the benefit of never having to be without your natural teeth, however, immediate dentures generally have to be relined several months after being inserted once your tissues have healed.

Implant supported dentures are a wonderful option to make your denture fit better and make chewing easier. Dental implants are titanium screws that are placed in the bone and attach to the denture. This stabilizes the denture and allows much better chewing efficiency and retention.

Tips for Caring For Your Denture
Take your denture out at night and place it in a denture cleaning solution or plain water.

Brushing your denture daily will remove food debris and plaque, and help prevent them from staining.

Brush your gums and tongue daily with a soft-bristled brush. This keeps your tissues healthy and helps remove plaque.

See your dentist if your denture breaks, chips, or becomes loose. Don't be tempted to adjust them yourself.