Fixed Tooth Replacement Options

Fixed partial denture (bridge)

A fixed partial denture, commonly known as a “bridge,” is a dental prosthetic designed to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring to the adjacent natural teeth. The term “bridge” comes from its function of bridging the gap left by the missing teeth, providing both aesthetic and functional benefits to the patient. The treatment process is similar to a crown, except that, you are involving multiple teeth with a bridge. 

Process of Getting a Bridge 

1. Initial Consultation: The process begins with an initial consultation with your dentist. During this visit, the dentist will assess your oral health, take X-rays, and discuss your dental needs and preferences. 

2. Treatment Planning: Based on the evaluation, your dentist will create a treatment plan tailored to your situation. This plan will specify the type of bridge needed, whether it’s a traditional bridge anchored by natural teeth or a bridge supported by dental implants. 

3. Tooth Preparation: If you are getting a traditional bridge, the adjacent teeth that will support the bridge will need to be prepared by reshaping them. This step ensures that the bridge fits securely and looks natural. 

4. Impressions: After the tooth preparation, the dentist will take impressions of your mouth to create a custom-fitted bridge. These impressions capture the shape of your gums and the surrounding teeth. 

5. Temporary Bridge: In many cases, a temporary bridge may be placed to protect the prepared teeth while the permanent bridge is being fabricated. This temporary solution allows you to maintain function and aesthetics during the waiting period. 

6. Same-Day Bridge Option: In many cases, it is possible to provide a same-day bridge. Advances in dental technology allow for the fabrication of a bridge in a single visit, giving you immediate results. 

7. Final Placement: Once the permanent bridge is ready, your dentist will place it in your mouth to ensure a proper fit and appearance. Any necessary adjustments can be made at this time to ensure your comfort. 

8. Follow-Up Care: After the bridge is placed, follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor the fit and function. Your dentist will also provide guidance on how to care for your bridge and maintain good oral hygiene. 

With proper care, a fixed partial denture (bridge) can significantly improve your ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently, enhancing your overall quality of life. 

Dental Implants

Single Implant Cases

A single implant crown is a dental restoration that replaces a missing tooth by attaching a crown to an artificial tooth root (the dental implant) that has been surgically placed in the jawbone. We work in conjunction with local surgeons to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. Before the implant procedure, a consultation with the surgeon is necessary for tooth removal and implant placement. If you are interested in temporary tooth replacement during the healing phase of the implant, it’s important to mention this prior to tooth extraction so it can be properly quoted and planned. 

Typically, implants take about 2 to 3 months to heal. If the missing tooth is in your smile line, you may want to consider interim tooth replacement options to maintain aesthetics during the healing process. 

Process of Getting a Single Implant Crown 

1. Initial Consultation: The process begins with an initial consultation with your dentist. During this visit, your dental health will be evaluated, and X-rays will be taken to assess the condition of your jawbone and surrounding teeth. 

2. Implant Placement: If you are a suitable candidate for an implant, the first step is to surgically place the dental implant into the jawbone. This procedure is typically done under local anesthesia and may involve a healing period of several months to allow for osseointegration, where the implant fuses with the bone. 

3. Abutment Placement: Once the implant is securely integrated into the jawbone, a small connector called an abutment is attached to the top of the implant. This abutment serves as the support for the crown. 

4. Impressions: After the abutment is placed, impressions of your mouth will be taken to create a custom-fitted crown. For anterior cases, we often use our specialized Shofu camera to capture detailed photos, allowing us to get very close to the natural shade of your surrounding teeth. 

5. Shade Matching: If a precise shade match is required, we can collaborate with local labs for a custom shade match. While this option is a little more costly, it ensures that the crown will match your natural teeth as closely as possible. 

6. Crown Fabrication: The lab will then fabricate the crown, which typically takes about 3 weeks. During this time, the crown is crafted to match the specifications and shade determined during the impression and shade-matching processes. 

7. Final Placement: Once the crown is ready, you’ll return to the dentist for the final placement. The crown will be attached to the abutment, and any necessary adjustments will be made to ensure a proper fit and appearance. 

8. Follow-Up Care: After the crown is placed, follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor the fit and function. Your dentist will also provide guidance on how to care for your implant crown to maintain its longevity and performance. 

With proper care, a single implant crown can effectively restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence, significantly enhancing your quality of life. 

Replacing Multiple Missing Teeth

Dental Implant Bridge

An implant bridge is a dental restoration designed to replace multiple missing teeth by anchoring a bridge to dental implants. This solution is particularly beneficial for patients who have lost several adjacent teeth and provides a stable, long-lasting option that restores both function and aesthetics. 

We work in conjunction with local surgeons to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. Before the implant procedure, a consultation with the surgeon is necessary for tooth extraction and implant placement. If you’re interested in interim tooth replacement options during the healing phase, it’s essential to mention this before tooth removal so it can be properly quoted and planned. 

Process of Getting an Implant Bridge 

1. Initial Consultation: The process begins with an initial consultation with your dentist. During this visit, your dental health will be assessed, and X-rays will be taken to evaluate the condition of your jawbone and surrounding teeth. 

2. Treatment Planning: Based on the evaluation, your dentist will create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. This plan will include details about the number of implants required and the type of bridge that will be used. 

3. Tooth Extraction: If necessary, any remaining teeth in the area will be extracted. This procedure is typically performed by a local surgeon to ensure optimal care. 

4. Implant Placement: After tooth extraction, dental implants will be surgically placed into the jawbone. This procedure usually requires local anesthesia and involves a healing period of about 2 to 3 months, allowing the implants to integrate with the bone through a process called osseointegration. 

5. Interim Tooth Replacement: If you desire interim tooth replacement during the healing phase, it’s important to have this planned before the tooth extraction. Various options are available to maintain aesthetics and function while the implants heal. 

6. Abutment Placement: Once the implants have healed and integrated with the jawbone, abutments (small connectors) are attached to the top of the implants. These abutments will support the bridge. 

7. Impressions: Impressions of your mouth will be taken to create a custom-fitted bridge. This step ensures that the bridge will align properly with your natural bite and fit comfortably. 

8. Bridge Fabrication: The lab will fabricate the bridge based on the impressions taken. This process typically takes a few weeks, during which the bridge is crafted to match the specifications discussed. 

9. Final Placement: Once the bridge is ready, you’ll return to the dentist for the final placement. The bridge will be securely attached to the abutments, and any necessary adjustments will be made to ensure optimal fit and comfort. 

10. Follow-Up Care: After the implant bridge is placed, follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor the fit and function. Your dentist will provide guidance on how to care for your implant bridge to maintain its longevity and performance. 

With proper care, an implant bridge can effectively restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence, significantly enhancing your quality of life. 

All-on-4/Full-Arch Restoration

An All-on-4, or Full-Arch Restoration procedure is a dental restoration designed to replace an entire arch of missing teeth using just four strategically placed dental implants. This innovative solution provides a fixed, non-removable appliance that offers stability and functionality similar to natural teeth. Unlike traditional dentures, which can be removed by the patient, All-on-4 dentures are securely anchored in place, and only a dentist can remove this appliance when necessary. 

Key Features of All-on-4 Dentures 

• Fixed Restoration: The All-on-4 denture is permanently fixed to the dental implants, allowing for greater comfort and confidence in daily activities such as eating and speaking. 

• Treatment Timeline: The process of getting an All-on-4 denture can take several months from start to finish. This timeline includes consultations, implant placement, healing, and the final fitting of the denture. 

• Efficiency: The All-on-4 technique often allows for immediate loading, meaning that temporary teeth can sometimes be placed on the same day as the implants, providing patients with immediate functionality while the final restoration is being fabricated. 

For a more detailed description of the All-on-4 procedure and its benefits, please visit the “Full Arch Restoration” page on our website. This resource provides comprehensive information to help you understand the process and what to expect throughout your treatment journey. 

Fixed locator denture

A fixed locator denture is a type of dental prosthetic designed to replace multiple missing teeth while providing enhanced stability and support. Unlike traditional removable dentures, fixed locator dentures utilize dental implants to help secure the denture in place, making them easier to manage and more comfortable for the patient. 

Key Features of Fixed Locator Dentures 

• Removable by the Patient: Fixed locator dentures are designed to be removable by the patient. It is recommended that they be removed at night for cleaning to maintain oral hygiene and ensure the longevity of the appliance. 

• Implant Support: The treatment involves placing implants in the jawbone to provide additional support for the denture. These implants help to secure the denture and prevent it from shifting during use. 

• Clicking Mechanism: Patients will be responsible for clicking the denture into place on the implants. This mechanism allows for a stable fit while still offering the convenience of removal for cleaning. 

Treatment Process for Fixed Locator Dentures 

1. Initial Consultation: The process begins with an initial consultation with your dentist, where your dental health will be assessed, and treatment options will be discussed. 

2. Treatment Planning: Based on your needs, your dentist will create a treatment plan that outlines the number of implants required and the design of the fixed locator denture. 

3. Implant Placement: If dental implants are deemed necessary, they will be surgically placed into the jawbone. This procedure is typically done under local anesthesia, and a healing period of several months may be required for osseointegration, where the implants fuse with the bone. 

4. Denture Fabrication: After the implants have healed, impressions of your mouth will be taken to create a custom-fitted denture. The denture will be designed to securely attach to the implants. 

5. Final Fitting: Once the denture is fabricated, you will return to the dentist for the final fitting. The denture will be securely attached to the implants, and any necessary adjustments will be made to ensure a proper fit. 

6. Patient Education: Your dentist will provide guidance on how to remove the denture for cleaning, as well as instructions on how to click it into place securely. 

7. Follow-Up Care: After the placement of the fixed locator denture, follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor the fit and function of the appliance. 

With proper care and maintenance, a fixed locator denture can significantly improve your ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently, enhancing your overall quality of life. 

Removable Options

Complete removable denture 

A complete removable denture is a dental appliance designed to replace all of the natural teeth in the upper or lower jaw, restoring both function and aesthetics. This treatment is typically necessary when all teeth need to be removed due to decay, disease, or other factors. 

Treatment Process 

1. Initial Consultation: The process begins with an initial consultation, during which your dentist will evaluate your oral health, discuss your needs and preferences, and take X-rays to assess the condition of your teeth and gums. 

2. Tooth Extraction: For complete denture treatment, all existing teeth must be extracted. If you’re opting for a traditional denture, after extraction, the sites need to heal for approximately 4 to 6 weeks before initial impressions can be made for the complete denture. However, if you are replacing an existing denture, this healing period can be skipped. 

3. Immediate Denture Option: If you prefer an immediate denture, the dentist will plan to extract your teeth and deliver the denture on the same day. This option allows you to have teeth immediately after extractions, but it is generally more expensive. While an immediate denture provides the benefit of having teeth during the healing process, it can be more uncomfortable. Your dental team will take steps to minimize any pain during this time. 

4. Denture Fabrication: For both immediate and traditional dentures, impressions of your mouth will be taken to ensure a proper fit. The fabrication process for most dentures typically takes about 3 to 4 weeks. 

5. Final Placement: Once the complete denture is ready, your dentist will place it in your mouth, ensuring it fits well and feels comfortable. Any necessary adjustments can be made at this time. 

6. Follow-Up and Reline: For patients with immediate dentures, it is common to require a reline approximately 6 months post-operation. This adjustment helps to accommodate changes in your mouth as it heals. The fee for the reline is separate and will be determined based on the provider’s assessment of the denture’s fit at that 6-month mark. 

Care Recommendations 

It’s recommended to remove your dentures at night and clean them thoroughly to prevent fungal infections and the risk of accidentally swallowing the prosthesis. 

The timeline for completion can vary depending on individual circumstances and the treatment option chosen. With proper care, a complete removable denture can greatly enhance your ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently, significantly improving your quality of life. 

Partial removable denture

A partial denture is a removable dental appliance designed to replace one or more missing teeth while still allowing you to retain your natural teeth. It helps restore your smile, improves your ability to eat and speak, and maintains the structure of your mouth. It’s important to note that partial dentures should be removed and cleaned every night to maintain proper hygiene. We recommend against sleeping with partial dentures in, as it can pose a choking hazard. 

Here’s a detailed overview of the process for getting a partial denture: 

1. Initial Consultation: The process begins with an initial consultation with your dentist. During this visit, the dentist will evaluate your oral health, discuss your needs and preferences, and take X-rays to assess the condition of your remaining teeth and gums. 

2. Treatment Planning: Based on the evaluation, the dentist will create a personalized treatment plan. This plan outlines the type of partial denture most suitable for you, whether it’s a removable or fixed option, and the materials to be used. 

3. Impressions: To create a custom fit, the dentist will take impressions of your mouth. These impressions capture the shape of your gums and any remaining teeth, ensuring that the partial denture will fit comfortably and securely. 

4. Bite Registration: After the impressions, the dentist may ask you to bite down on a special material to register your bite. This step is crucial for ensuring that the partial denture aligns properly with your existing teeth. 

5. Try-In Appointment: Once the partial denture is fabricated, you’ll have a try-in appointment. During this visit, the dentist will place the partial denture in your mouth to check the fit, color, and appearance. Adjustments can be made at this stage to ensure your comfort and satisfaction. 

6. Final Placement: After any necessary adjustments are made, the final partial denture will be ready for placement. The dentist will ensure that it fits well and feels comfortable before providing you with care instructions. 

7. Follow-Up Care: After receiving your partial denture, follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor the fit and make any necessary adjustments. Your dentist will also provide guidance on how to care for your partial denture and maintain your oral hygiene. 

The entire process, from start to finish, can take about 6 to 7 weeks, starting from the initial impression date to the final delivery of the prothesis. With proper care and regular cleaning, a partial denture can significantly improve your ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently, enhancing both your oral health and overall quality of life.