You have options when it comes to replacing a missing natural tooth, from dental bridges and implants to implant-support dentures, with each having its various features and benefits. But could partial dentures be a good replacement option for your missing teeth? Here’s what you need to know about this form of dental restoration for your smile!

How Many Teeth Do I Need to Be Missing to Qualify for Partial Dentures?

Technically, you only need to be missing one tooth to have it replaced with a partial denture [1]. People can be missing a single tooth or several teeth, and all can be fitted with a custom partial denture to help restore the appearance and function of your smile.

However, if you’re missing all of your natural teeth, you’ll need to discuss full dentures or other restoration options for your smile instead of partials.

What Are Partial Dentures Made Of?

Partial dentures are custom-made to fit your unique smile and fill in the gaps of missing teeth.

These restorations fit similarly to a retainer and are made with metal framework with plastic or acrylic to mimic your teeth and gums [2]. Dentures are designed to look like your natural missing teeth and attach to your remaining teeth to provide you with a dental restoration that’s easy to wear and remove for cleaning.

How Do I Know If Partial Dentures Are Right for Me?

While most patients will qualify for partial dentures, this dental restoration may be a good
option for you if:

• You’re missing one or more of your natural teeth
• You don’t qualify for dental implants
• You want to prevent the preparation work for adjacent teeth that dental bridges require

Your dentist can review the features of partial dentures with you to determine if this dental restoration is right for you!

What Are The Benefits of Partial Dentures?

Partial dentures allow you to restore the look and function of your natural teeth with a non-invasive dental repair. For patients that have dental anxiety about invasive procedures, partial dentures could be a viable tooth replacement option.

Another benefit of partial dentures is that they’ve been shown to help prevent bone loss in the jaw that can lead to a prematurely aged face [3]. Our tooth roots are what help keep our faces looking full and youthful, so a partial denture can help your teeth remain in place and prevent bone and tooth root reabsorption.

Need a Functional Replacement for Missing Teeth?

When you’re considering a replacement for your missing teeth, a partial denture could be an option for you. Schedule an appointment with your experienced dentist today to learn more about this restoration for your smile!

Sources:
1. https://medlineplus.gov/dentures.html
2. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/dentures-partial
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23892861

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3D x-rays provide dental professionals with the option to create hundreds of x-ray images from
just one simple scan of your mouth. Your dentist can zoom in on a tiny area, or get a larger yet
detailed picture of your entire smile.

What benefits do 3D dental x-rays provide to oral healthcare professionals and patients alike?

Better Planning for a More Effective Treatment

3D dental x-rays allow your dentist to get a clear, complete picture of your smile. These x-rays
especially beneficial for treatments such as:

 Orthodontics. Your orthodontist is better able to evaluate your unique tooth structure
and alignment in addition to how the teeth fit together.

 Dental implants. 3D dental x-rays allow oral surgeons to see precisely where to put the
implant for the best results.

 Root canal therapy. Endodontists benefit from the use of 3D x-rays to better perform
your root canal procedure.

 TMJ disorder treatment. Dental professionals can better understand how the jaw and
teeth fit together to introduce an effective treatment plan to the patient.

Through giving your oral healthcare professionals a better picture of your smile than traditional
x-rays alone, they’re better able to plan a more accurate and effective treatment for you.

Increased Communication and Understanding

In a 2D x-ray, it’s not always easy to convey to our patients exactly what’s going on. 2D x-rays
provide limited views whereas a 3D digital x-ray tends to be easier to understand due to the
totality and detail of the picture.

This clearer picture enables dentists to more effectively explain the patient’s diagnosis and
show them the problem on an advanced image of their own smile. A 3D image is more realistic
and comprehensible as opposed to a fixed 2D image.

Patients are also able to make more informed decisions when it comes to treatment plans
thanks to 3D digital x-rays. A 3D x-ray can open up doctor and patient communication so they
can come to a treatment plan that both parties feel good about.

The New Standard of Dental Care

Although 3D dental x-rays are considered standard for procedures such as the placement of
dental implants, root canal therapy, and even orthodontics, these efficient x-rays are fast
becoming the norm for many segments of oral healthcare.

Since these x-rays can capture a panoramic view of the mouth with just a single image, the
need for retakes is minimized, therefore exposing patients to less radiation. 3D dental x-rays
have benefits that outshine those of 2D, making them the new standard of dental care.

Although not all offices are using 3D dental x-rays for every procedure yet, your dentist will
almost certainly use these x-rays for dental implants and other forms of oral surgery or
reconstructive therapy. With more effective treatment plans and a better picture, these x -rays
are highly beneficial for patients and doctors alike!

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When a tooth is missing, the other teeth will shift to compensate for the loss. This means your entire smile is subject to change as the result of one missing tooth. Replacing any missing back teeth you may have is essential to retaining the structure and function of your smile.

What are your treatment options for replacing missing back teeth?

Dental Implants

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, it’s hard to top dental implants. Dental implants are secure, functional, and are the most natural replacements to your missing teeth available today.

Dental implants consist of a titanium post that’s allowed to fuse naturally with your jawbone. Once this process is complete, a dental crown is placed on the end. Although your dental crown will eventually need to be replaced, your dental implant should last for life.

For missing back teeth, dental implants make an excellent choice because of their durability. The back molars are an integral part of chewing food. Dental implants are up to the challenge and make healthy lifetime replacements for your missing back teeth that require minimal additional maintenance.

Dental Bridge

You also have the option of having a fixed dental bridge in place for your back teeth. A dental bridge will rely on two adjacent teeth in order to support the bridge, so these teeth will need to have a tiny amount of tooth enamel removed in order to place the bridge and provide the proper support.

A dental bridge enables you to replace any teeth that are missing in a row in order to effectively support your smile and experience better function. You can talk with your dentist about whether or not a fixed dental bridge is the right treatment option for your missing back teeth.

Partial Dentures

A partial denture is designed to only replace one or a few teeth. It can affix to the neighboring teeth in order to provide you with an either removable or non-removable option for your missing back teeth.

For missing back teeth, partial dentures offer you the option of restoring your ability to chew and speak without investing in a more permanent placement option. Partial dentures will need to be adjusted over time and will also require daily cleaning and maintenance in order to remain effective and healthy teeth replacements!

Replacing your missing back teeth is essential to having a healthy smile. Schedule a consultation with your dentist today to discuss your options for replacing any missing back teeth you may be missing. Your professional dentist can review the options with you so that you can make your best choice!

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These dental bridges are affixed to dental implants instead of being supported by the
surrounding teeth, so they’re stronger, more secure, and look more natural than a traditional
dental bridge.

With all the benefits of implant supported bridges, here’s how you can find out if you’re a
candidate for these practical tooth replacements.

At Least One Tooth Missing

In order to qualify for implant supported bridges, you’ll need to have at least one natural tooth
missing or more in a row. This enables your dentist to place the implants and then construct a
bridge that will attach and not affect the surrounding teeth.

In fact, implant supported bridges work to strengthen the surrounding teeth. When you lose a
tooth, the bone in your jaw can become compromised in that area, leading to teeth shifting.
When you take advantage of an implant supported bridge, you can help facilitate jaw bone
growth and keep all your teeth in their natural positions while naturally strengthening and
stimulating the jawbone.

Sufficient Jawbone

Just like with traditional dental implants, you’ll need enough bone in your jaw in order to
healthily support your implant supported bridge. Sometimes, people who have lost a tooth lack
the proper bone to support a dental implant, especially if they’ve waited years to replace their
tooth.

If you don’t have enough bone in your jaw to support the dental implants, your dentist may
suggest a bone graft. Although this will add a bit more time onto your procedure, it’ll give you
optimal chances of success for your dental implants.

You’ll first get dental implants in the areas where your missing teeth are and then a temporary
dental bridge while your implants heal. Then, you’ll receive your dental bridge which will be
permanent, secure, and functional.

Good Oral Health

Just like with regular dental implants, you’ll need to be in good oral health in order to be a
candidate for implant supported bridges. If you have gum disease or another type of oral health

condition, it’ll need to be fully treated before you can be considered for this procedure. Keeping
your smile in optimal health with regular checkups is the best way to ensure you’ll be a
candidate for implant supported bridges.

It’s also important that you don’t smoke in order to encourage proper healing of your dental
implant site. If you smoke, your dentist will encourage you to stop or minimize your usage
before and after the procedure. This will help you have your best chances at healing after your
dental implants are placed.

Implant supported bridges offer many benefits that traditional bridges can’t. Your implants will
never need to be replaced, your bridge will be stronger, and you won’t have to compromise the
health of the neighboring teeth to support a traditional bridge. Make an appointment to talk
with your dentist about an implant supported bridge today!

The post Who Is a Candidate for an Implant Supported Bridge? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

But do dental implants have the ability to chip or break? Here’s everything you need to know
about your dental implant’s durability in addition to how to prevent any problems with your
tooth replacement.

Yes, It’s Possible

It is possible for your dental implant to chip. While it’s extremely rare for the actual titanium
implant to crack or fracture, the dental crown placed over it does have the potential to become
damaged.

How does this happen? Dental crowns can become damaged from an injury such as a contact
sport hit or a fall, teeth grinding, or biting down on something hard that you’re not supposed to
bite, such as a nut shell.

Dental implants enable you to have a beautiful smile again with all the security of a natural
tooth. It’s rare for these sturdy replacements to crack, even the dental crown portion, but it is
possible!

When to Seek Medical Advice

While a chipped or broken dental crown is not a strict dental emergency, you should still see
your professional dentist as soon as possible. This is because your dental crown will need to be
repaired or replaced.

If you have a broken or cracked crown on your dental implant, you should always seek medical
advice. A dental crown is there to protect your titanium implant and to provide your mouth
with the full functionality of a normal tooth, so getting it restored is a priority.

The process for getting your dental crown replaced will be the same as the first time you
received it. If your dentist office can’t make the crown that same day, you’ll get a temporary
crown in the meantime. If you need a crown repair, it may be as simple as filling in the chip or
break with composite resin!

How to Protect Your Dental Implant

It’s easy to protect your dental implant as well as your other teeth to prevent fractures and
chips. You can follow best practices that include:

 Not using your teeth as tools. Your teeth weren’t meant to crack open nuts, open
packages, or bite pencils. Use your teeth for chewing, nothing else!

 Wear a mouthguard for bruxism. Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, can cause your
dental crown to fracture or chip. If you grind your teeth, your dentist can fit you with a
mouthguard to ensure your teeth don’t suffer the extreme damage that bruxism can
cause.

 Get regular checkups. Your professional dentist can provide you with regular checkups
and cleanings to ensure your dental implant and your natural teeth stay healthy and
strong.

Protecting your dental implant is simpler than you think when you take good care of your smile!
Whether you have a dental implant or are considering getting one, these sturdy tooth
replacements offer all the advantages of a real tooth. Although the crown on dental implants
does have the potential to chip, taking care of your smile ensures your dental implant will be in
good standing for life!

The post Can Dental Implants Chip or Break? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

If you’ve been considering getting your smile treated before the New Year officially hits, you’ve
still got time! Here are the top dental treatments you can get before the New Year that will
completely transform your smile and make you unforgettable in 2018.

Professional Teeth Cleaning

When was the last time you got your teeth cleaned at your dentist’s office? Even if you brush
and floss regularly, plaque is difficult to remove from every surface on your teeth. When you
get professional cleanings with your dentist, you allow your smile to be thoroughly cleaned so
that you can have the healthiest smile possible.

Regular cleanings also consistently remove surface stains, so you’re getting a brighter smile just
by visiting your dentist. If you’ve been putting this important visit off, make an appointment
before the holidays. You’ll be surprised by how different your smile will feel afterward!

Get a Bright Smile with Teeth Whitening

If a professional teeth cleaning doesn’t remove the stains on your teeth, your dentist may speak
with you about a teeth whitening procedure. These procedures are often able to remove
deeper stains that regular home care and even professional cleanings aren’t always able to
remove.

The best part about a professional whitening is that you can customize your shade of white.
Whether you want to go for the brightest smile possible or just make a subtle change in your
color, you and your dentist can decide which shade would best compliment your smile. A
professional teeth whitening is also safer than using home kits, and much faster—most
procedures are done in just an hour!

Cosmetic Work for a Stunning Smile

There’s no reason to wait any longer to improve your smile. If you’ve been considering
cosmetic work, there’s no better time to schedule a consultation than before the holidays.
Cosmetic dentistry can help you look and feel your best this holiday season, and present the
smile that best showcases your beauty to the world.

Whether you’ve been considering dental veneers, dental crowns, dental implants, or just a
simple whitening, make an appointment to talk to your dentist. He or she can help you make
the best decision for your unique smile. It’s never too late to improve your smile and enjoy the
benefits of teeth that are both healthy and attractive for the rest of your life!

What improvements have you been wanting to make to your smile this holiday season? From
brightening your smile with a professional cleaning to making a transformation with a teeth
whitening procedure to getting a cosmetic makeover for your smile, there are so many reasons
to smile this holiday season. Talk to your dentist about getting these treatments done to show
your best self in 2018!

The post Top Dental Treatments to Get Before the New Year appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Consider Dental Bonding

Dental bonding involves the use of composite resin—the material that’s commonly used for fillings
these days—to close your gap. Composite resin is designed to match your natural teeth and is also ideal
for smaller gaps.

Your dentist will build out the composite resin from each side of your neighboring teeth to conceal the
gap. Composite resin is cost-friendly, looks natural, and is one of the most common treatments for
people who have smaller gaps.

Braces Physically Close the Gap

If you have a sizeable gap in your teeth that you’d like to close as naturally and as permanently as
possible, you can forgo cosmetic dentistry and physically close the gap through braces or Invisalign. You
may even qualify for a retainer that will help push your teeth together.

Your dentist can refer you to an orthodontist who can discuss a treatment plan with you that’ll
effectively close your gap and leave you with a seamless, stunning smile for life.

Porcelain Veneers Cover Many Issues

If you have other cosmetic issues that you’d like to get fixed such as staining, oddly-shaped teeth, or
many small gaps, dental veneers may be the best option for you.

Porcelain veneers are a permanent altercation to your teeth that consist of a natural-looking, sturdy, yet
thin shell that’s placed over your top or bottom row of teeth. Veneers are extremely sturdy and are
resistant to stains and can completely transform your smile.

People who may consider dental veneers are those who have a gap that’s too big to fix, numerous gaps,
or other cosmetic problems that would be best be treated with dental veneers.

Dental Implants Can Restore Your Smile

Dental implants completely replace a missing tooth, so if a missing tooth is the reason for your gap, you
can talk with your dentist about dental implants. These are secure alternatives to dentures and are a
permanent replacement for your missing tooth.

If your gap is the result of a natural space in your smile, you may not be able to fix it with dental
implants. However, you can consider implants for missing teeth to have the most natural and
permanent replacement possible!

When it comes to gaps in your teeth, it’s understandable that you’d want to remedy this problem by
considering different cosmetic dentistry options. Your dentist can talk with you about your unique smile
and which treatment would suit you the best. From a simple composite resin treatment to dental
veneers to braces and dental implants, you have many choices that’ll help you construct your best smile!

The post Top Dental Treatments to Close the Gap in Your Smile appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

The traditional process for dental implants can take months. If you’ve been living without teeth
for any length of time, you know how important it is to have your smile restored as quickly as
possible. Can dental implants really be done in one day? Actually, they can! Let’s talk about
same-day dental implants and what they mean for you.

Crown Restoration Is Completed at the Office

3D CT scan technology enables your dentist to make your temporary crown restoration right
there at the office on the day of your dental implant procedure. Although this crown will look
just like your natural teeth, it still qualifies as a temporary solution—until your implant fuses
with the bone in your jaw, your permanent crown can’t be placed.

However, you’ll still get to leave the office that day with a temporary restoration that won’t
have anyone second-guessing your smile. You’ll have a brand-new dental implant and a crown
to top it off, making your dental implants essentially a one-day procedure!

How Are Same-Day Dental Implants Different?

Same-day dental implants aren’t any different from traditional implants. They both require
detailed x-rays for accurate placement, an experienced dentist or oral surgeon, and they both
need time to fuse with the bone in your jaw to be permanent. Since you’ll be getting your
crown and dental implant on the same day, your dentist will need to be sure your dental
implant can healthily support the crown.

Once your dental implant heals and your permanent crown is placed, there’s virtually no
difference between same-day dental implants and traditional dental implants that take months
to complete. Of course, you’ll still need an initial consultation and a follow-up appointment in
addition to the appointment to permanently fix your crown, so keep these visits in mind!

People Who Qualify for Same-Day Dental Implants

The criteria to qualify for same-day dental implants isn’t all that different for traditional dental
implants. You’ll need to have a healthy mouth in order to facilitate proper healing of the
implant. This element is even more important since the entire process will be completed in a
day. You’ll need to have a healthy and strong mouth to qualify. You’ll also need to have enough bone in your jaw to support the implant until your permanent crown is placed. Since your temporary crown will be installed that same day, it’s imperative that your jawbone can support the restoration until you get your permanent crown.

Your dentist can let you know if you qualify for same-day dental implants during your consultation.
Are you in need of a tooth replacement but don’t want to wait months for a dental implant?
Ask your dentist about same-day dental implants. You just might qualify for this procedure and
best of all, you’ll have a gorgeous new smile that same day!

The post Can Dental Implants Be Done in One Day? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

With a successful procedure and the right care, dental implants last for life! Although your
dental crown will need to be replaced every 10-15 years, the titanium post will fuse with your
jawbone and should never need to be replaced. If you properly care for your smile, it’s possible
that your dental crown may last even longer. This gives you the strongest, most effective
replacement for your missing tooth that’s also the most natural-looking!

Why Should I Choose Dental Implants?

Dental implants have become popular replacements for missing teeth for a variety of reasons.
Dental implants look just like your natural teeth, so there’s no need to fear that anyone will
notice your tooth replacement. Dental implants are permanent tooth replacements, which
means they never come out of your mouth. They also function just like your natural teeth, so
you can eat all the things you did before.

What Can I Expect During the Procedure?

The procedure for your dental implants will happen with an experienced oral surgeon.
Generally, only local anesthesia is needed for the procedure. After a consultation in which your
dentist ensures that you’re a candidate for dental implants, 3D x-ray technology helps your
surgeon see exactly where the dental implant needs to go for maximum success. There won’t
be any pain and although you may experience some discomfort while your dental implant is
healing, most people report little to no pain and a quick recovery. It all depends on how healthy
your smile is!

Who Qualifies for Dental Implants?

Anyone with a healthy mouth and adequate bone in their jaw can be a candidate for dental
implants. If you’re a smoker or drink alcohol heavily, your mouth may not support healing of
dental implants. Your dentist will help determine if you qualify. Even if you don’t have enough
jaw bone to support a normal dental implant, you may qualify for mini dental implants or bone
grafting to help support your new implant.

What Is the Success Rate of Dental Implants?

Fortunately, dental implants have a high success rate—up to 98%! Although rejection or
infection of dental implants can happen, these instances are rare. The vast majority of people
have no problems with their dental implants and enjoy a secure, functional smile for life.

Have you considered dental implants for your missing tooth or teeth? Schedule a consultation
with your dentist to talk about your candidacy for dental implants. These natural tooth
replacements are functional, beautiful, and sturdy. The best part is that they last for life. Ask
about dental implants today to transform your smile!

The post How Long Do Dental Implants Last? Cosmetic Dentists Answer Your Questions appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

There are different types of dental implants that you and your dentist can discuss. Your candidacy for dental implants will depend on the bone in your jaw, your oral health, and the position of the dental implant in your mouth.

Here are the types of dental implants you might consider with your oral health care professional for replacing your missing teeth.

Endosteal Implants

Endosteal dental implants are the most common type of dental implants. They’re designed for people who have an adequate amount of bone in their jaw and can support a dental implant. Endosteal implants are placed in your jaw bone just like we discussed above. Unless you have any special considerations, these are likely the first type of dental implant your dentist will consider for your smile.

Subperiosteal Implants

This type of dental implant is slightly different than the endosteal option. In subperiosteal dental implants, a frame is replaced on your jaw bone rather than inserted directly into the jaw. This position still allows your gum tissue to heal around it and the frame will become part of your jawbone.

Once the frame is healed and secure, a post is attached and this is where your dental crown will be fixed onto the end. Subperiosteal dental implants are typically reserved for patients who have a weak jawbone and usually aren’t considered for people who can support endosteal implants.

Implant-Supported Dentures

If you’re missing all of your natural teeth, you may want to consider implant-supported dentures. These provide you with an alternative to traditional dentures but eliminate the need for the individual placement of so many dental implants in your mouth.

Sometimes called all-on-four dental implants, implant-supported dentures consist of about four to six dental implants placed in your mouth. These provide secure posts to attach your dentures to, so you won’t have to worry about your dentures sliding around. The implants are secure and they help support bone growth in your jaw.

Mini Dental Implants

Mini dental implants are used for people who don’t have enough bone in their jaw to support a traditional dental implant. This procedure is less invasive because the post is narrower. While it’s also more budget-friendly, mini dental implants are not recommended for people who can support normal dental implants. This is because mini dental implants are less sturdy as their counterparts but still effective teeth replacements, especially for front teeth.

Dental implants are an excellent way to replace your natural teeth. Whether you’ve been missing teeth for years or you just lost your first permanent tooth, visit your dentist for a consultation for dental implants. With different types to suit just about anyone, you can get your smile back and enjoy life again with dental implants!

Image courtesy of interphasesolution at freedigitalphotos.net

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