missing teeth Archives - Reedley Family Dental

Dentures are a way to replace missing teeth that could be lost due to trauma, decay or advanced gum disease. The main benefit is that you will have a set of fully functioning teeth that are custom fit to you. Today’s dentures are more natural looking and comfortable. Dental technology has advanced with the use of new materials, which means a vastly improved set of dentures. There are two main types of dentures- full and partial. Both types are made in a lab, based on a mold of your mouth.

Traditional Dentures

This is when all the teeth have been removed and the tissue is given time to heal before a full denture is placed. The healing time is usually 6-8 weeks before the gingiva is fully healed. During this time you would be without teeth. This method has not been used as much in recent years.

Immediate Full Dentures

Prior to having your teeth extracted, your dentist will take measurements to have dentures fitted for your mouth. After removing the teeth, the dentures are immediately placed. After the appointment, usually, dentures will be left in your mouth, undisturbed, for 24-48 hours. After that time, you will need a follow-up visit with your dentist to access your healing progress. Adjustments to your denture over the next 4-6 weeks are typical and expected as the mouth heals.

Partial Dentures

This option is available when all teeth do not need to be extracted. A partial denture can replace multiple missing teeth if other options are not feasible.

How to Care for Dentures

Keep your dentures clean! Plaque builds up on dentures just like natural teeth. Unless plaque is removed from your dentures, it can spread to your natural teeth and gums causing gum disease and cavities.

Remove your dentures every night.
Brush your natural teeth and your gums with a soft toothbrush.
Soak your dentures overnight in a special cleaner (a denture cleanser), in warm water, or in a half-and-half mixture of warm water and vinegar. If your dentures have metal clasps, soak in warm water only.

See your dentist regularly because your mouth is always changing, therefore your dentures will need some adjusting from time to time to make sure it fits well. If you have a partial denture, regular check-ups are important to make sure that your natural teeth and gums get the care that is needed.

A dental bridge is a restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. It extends across an area that has no teeth and is typically made up of an artificial tooth fused between two crowns. Bridges are made from gold, metal alloys, porcelain or a combination to ensure that they are strong and durable. The process of creating a bridge begins by creating abutments out of your existing teeth where the bridge will be attached. This process is identical to how crowns are prepared (see crowns). The dentist will often remove and replace any old restorations in these teeth to ensure that there will be no decay present underneath the bridge. These are called build-ups. After the abutments have been created, a mold is taken of the area which is sent to a dental lab. The lab is able to use the mold to create a custom bridge that will fit properly and will feel like your natural teeth. The bridge consists of two crowns on either end to place the abutments, and a pontic – a solid tooth shaped piece – that is the new tooth replacing your missing one.

We will then fit you with a temporary bridge while we wait for the lab to craft your permanent bridge. This will protect the abutment and exposed gum area and look more appealing than having a missing tooth. When the permanent bridge has been created, we will have a follow-up visit to seat the bridge. It will be placed on the abutments, and the dentist will then use an adhesive for the final placement of the bridge.

The bridge may take a while to get used to, but after a few days, it should feel like your own teeth. You should eat soft foods for the first few days. After a short while, you will be able to eat whatever you want with no issues. If you are missing a tooth, you should strongly consider having it replaced, because missing teeth can cause structural changes to your mouth and jaw, as well as making it difficult to eat or speak properly. Set up an appointment today to restore your smile.

Mini dental implants have the same structure as regular implants, but are slightly smaller in form. These mini implants have two parts: a titanium post with a ball on the end, and a socket with a rubber O-ring that attaches the tooth to the post.

Mini implants are also less expensive than regular dental implants. Ask Reedley Family Dental if mini implants are right for you. Give us a call at (559) 637-0123 for more information on mini implants.

Dental implants are becoming more popular in today’s dental society for a number of reasons. Whenever a tooth is lost, the biting forces change and the teeth next to the space can shift. Also, opposing teeth may even be compromised by extruding into the open space, resulting in eventual tooth loss. Implants are titanium cylinders that are surgically placed in the jaw to serve as artificial roots. Attaching a replacement tooth to an implant allows us to avoid placing a bridge.

Benefits of Implants

With dental implants, you can have a beautiful smile without any invasive procedures. Dental crowns and bridges are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth – so securely fitted that they don’t move when chewing or speaking; additionally, dental implants are a great way to achieve the perfect smile. They improve chewing function and contribute towards preserving healthy teeth, which in turn gives you an attractive appearance with self-esteem that will make everyone notice your amazing grin!

Procedure

Your tooth structure has two main sections, the root, and the crown. A dental implant replaces this entire section of your jaw with an anchor in order for you to have proper support against wear from things like eating hard foods or grinding your teeth during workouts! This process starts off by placing the implants where needed after which they will be covered up by gum tissue until it’s time that we attach them into place just under skin level using local anesthesia so there isn’t any significant discomfort at all. This procedure usually takes between 1 – 2 hours depending on how many teeth need to be replaced. The second step in installing a tooth is to attach an abutment. This part of the implant will support your crown and make it strong enough for chewing tasks.

Finally, the implant is given an impression of its own. A restoration crafted from abutment to crown will be ready for use immediately after completion; it’s comfortable and will leave you smiling nonstop! When your implant procedure is complete, it will be ready to use immediately. This means that the only thing holding back from going about normal activities is walking out our dental office.

Ask us if implants are the right choice for you, and get the support and stability you deserve. Call Reedley Family Dental, we’ve placed over 1000’s of implants!

Dentures

Traditional Dentures

Immediate Full Dentures

Partial Dentures

How to Care for Dentures

Bridges

Mini Implants

Dental Implants

Benefits of Implants

Procedure