If you have a missing tooth or teeth, there are several options available to you that can restore your smile’s appearance and- more importantly- the function of your teeth. Teeth lost to decay or trauma can change your appearance, your self-confidence and alter your ability to eat certain foods comfortably.
Let us help restore your freedom to eat the foods you love and to speak and laugh with confidence.
It is important to note that replacing missing teeth serves more than an aesthetic function- it also helps restore oral health. The teeth are designed to support each other and to promote a proper bite and jaw function. They also help keep your jaw bones healthy. When teeth are missing, spaces are created that neighboring teeth can shift into. It even can affect upper and lower teeth. For example, a missing lower molar no longer supports its upper counterpart. Over time, the upper molar can appear to grow longer because there no longer is a tooth below to help it maintain its proper position.
Bridges
Dental bridges are one option if you are missing one or more teeth. They offer a natural look and are custom-made to complement the size, shape and shade of your neighboring teeth.
Crowns
A crown typically is used to restore a single tooth that has chipped, cracked, broken, decayed or had a root canal. They also are used to cover an implant or attach a bridge. They even have strictly cosmetic applications. They can be applied to restore a smile marred by discolored, crowded or uneven teeth.
Dentures
Dentures remain a welcome option for many patients at our Murphy dental office who have lost most or all of their teeth. Dr. Mims refers to dentures as “the original full mouth reconstruction.”
Dentures are crafted specifically for you based on impressions we take of your mouth. We take measurements to ensure we create an appropriate bite pattern and provide you with dentures that fit well and look natural.
Dental Implants
For the ultimate in replacement of tooth form and function, dental implants restored with porcelain crowns are the way to go.
An implant is a metal post placed into the jaw that acts as the tooth root. After it is integrated into the jaw bone, a porcelain crown can be placed on it.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Many people who wear dentures live with the constant concern that their dentures will fall out while eating or talking. They may be plagued with sore gums or food getting under their “plates”. This is particularly true for lower dentures, Dr. Mims says. Luckily, there is a treatment for it. Root form implants and mini implants can be placed into your jaw in a simple office procedure under local anesthesia. They are capable of immediately bearing weight, which means your dentures can be altered slightly to “snap” into the implants and hold them in place.
The process is simple. It involves a consultation and X-rays to determine the ideal placement of the implants. These implants create a night and day difference for the denture wearer. Our patients often say, “This is the best thing I ever did for myself.”