Gum disease is the top cause of adults losing their teeth. It is a bacterial infection that leads to the inflammation of gum tissues. A periodontist is a dentist with further years of training to diagnose and treat issues that affect gum tissues.
Let us take a look at some of the periodontal restorative options for replacing missing teeth:
Dental implants are arguably the most popular option nowadays to replace missing teeth. An implant is a metal screw or rod placed inside a patient’s jawbone. Dental specialists like periodontists typically perform the procedure since it involves minor oral surgery.
Implants replace missing teeth roots, preventing the bone tissue deterioration that takes place when a tooth is lost. A crown can be attached to an implant to replace a single tooth, while oral prosthetics like dentures and bridges can be attached to it to replace multiple teeth.
Patients have to be evaluated individually before clearing them for implants. Health issues like diabetes increase the risk of complications developing after the implants are surgically installed. Lifestyle choices like tobacco use and drinking also increase the risk of complications.
The thickness of a patient’s jawbone is also measured before clearing them for implants. Bone tissues break down when missing teeth are not quickly replaced, so patients who have lived with missing teeth for years might not have the bone thickness needed for implants. Such patients will need bone grafts to thicken their jaw to be eligible for implants. They will also need to be fully healed from the grafting procedure, which can take up to three months.
Implants typically take up to six months to fuse with bone molecules around them in a process called osseointegration. Restorations are typically attached to implants when osseointegration is complete unless same-day implants are used.
These are the most affordable way to replace missing teeth. There are partial dentures for those who have only lost a few teeth and full denture sets for patients missing most of the teeth on a dental arch. Dentures are the least invasive way to replace missing teeth, and the procedure can be completed in as little as two weeks.
Denture wearers' biggest complaint is the poor stability these oral prosthetics often have.
Dental bridges are another popular way to replace missing teeth. These restorations are typically anchored down next to the gap left by the missing teeth. Bridges are fixed in place once installed by a dentist, and they are significantly more stable in the mouth than dentures. The process of replacing teeth with bridges can be finished in a couple of weeks.
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Lost one or more of your teeth? Give us a call or stop by our Summit clinic to explore treatment options with our periodontist.
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Request an appointment or call Summit Periodontics & Dental Implants at 908-219-6664 for an appointment in our Summit office.
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