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If you need to replace multiple teeth, our team can help meet your oral health needs. If you have several missing teeth, it probably is not easy for you to enjoy your favorite meal or even speak. Consequently, you may be having a hard time with social situations. We can help restore your smile and mouth function.
Multiple teeth replacement options are available at Happy Smiles Family Dentistry in Schaumburg and the surrounding area. You should consider your budget, oral health and wellness goals, and how long you need the replacement option to last. Call us at (847) 524-0488 to make an appointment or learn more.
Removable Dentures
Many patients prefer this treatment because they can remove the dentures for cleaning and maintenance. Dentures do not cost as much as implants and do not require the extensive surgery that comes with implants. Dentures come in partial and full varieties. For multiple missing teeth, removable dentures make sense.
Dentures consist of a gum-colored acrylic base with artificial teeth attached. The teeth are made of metal, covered in plastic. This apparatus looks like natural teeth and allows the patient to smile without embarrassment and easily eat solid foods again. The patient needs to brush the dentures daily and rinse them after each meal. Our team can recommend whether to use a solution. If a solution is advised, the appliance should be soaked overnight.
The challenge with dentures is that this option is not as durable as some counterparts. Dentures can crack or break easily. In addition, dentures are sometimes uncomfortable for patients. According to the American Dental Association, denture adhesives are not recommended for poor fitting dentures, those should be relined or replaced. The appliance can slip while the person eats or talks. It can wear out over time as well.
Fixed Bridge
Appropriately named, this multiple teeth replacement option bridges the gap in a person’s mouth. According to Authority Dental, a bridge may be used as an alternative to partial dentures or implants. If a patient is missing several teeth in a row, a fixed bridge can bring relief. A bridge replaces one tooth or multiple teeth with artificial teeth by joining them to crowns on either side of the gap.
A dental bridge requires two or more visits. The initial consultation involves X-rays and impressions, as well as a dental exam. At the next appointment, the dentist will place the artificial teeth in the gap and attach them to the crowns. There may be some adjustments to ensure there is a good, comfortable fit. The bridge provides patients with a natural look.
Implants
Implants are among the most popular multiple teeth replacement options available. Getting implants is a wise move for patients looking to restore their smile without others noticing the artificial teeth. Implants closely resemble the color of the surrounding natural teeth. Implants allow the patient to once again eat just about any food. This replacement option does not need surviving roots as the implant screw will serve this purpose.
The dental team will begin by taking X-rays and molds of the person’s mouth. These go to a lab where a technician custom-makes the implants. The dental professional will then numb the patient, make an incision in the gums, and insert a screw deep into the jawbone. The patient will undergo a healing process before our team can move onto the next step, which can take several months. Then, an abutment, or a post, will attach to the screw and the dentist will place the false top on the post.
Implants are made of titanium and can last for 20 years or longer. These are comfortable and can restore the person’s biting function. However, the surgery can be difficult. The cost is typically higher than other options, so patients with multiple missing teeth may wish to consider alternatives.
What to Do After Losing Teeth
Losing permanent teeth is a serious matter that patients should not ignore. If you have a medical emergency, consult our staff to discuss same-day service options. For pain, over-the-counter medications are available. If there is bleeding, keep a cloth or towel on the affected area.
Whether teeth fall out from a mishap or the dental team removes the teeth, there are many replacement options. Before choosing one, seek the advice of a dentist so you make a choice that matches your needs and lifestyle. Contact our team and we can review the pros and cons of each treatment, including levels of discomfort and maintenance requirements. The patient and the dental professional will make sure everyone feels good about the decision before proceeding.
The dentist and patient will also talk about the financial implications of the treatment. Some insurance plans will cover all or part of a teeth replacement procedure, while others may view the treatment as cosmetic. Patients can discuss payment plans and financing options with us.
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Why choose removable dentures?
Q. What is involved in getting a fixed bridge?
Q. What is involved in getting implants?
Q. What should I do if I lose teeth?
People Also Ask
Q. What are the benefits of dental implants?
Q. What happens during the implant placement surgery?
Q. How can I prepare for my first implant procedure?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can the dentist save the teeth instead?
A. Pulling teeth is the last resort for our team. In most cases, we prefer to leave the teeth intact. However, if an infection is starting to spread throughout the mouth, extraction is the right decision.
Q. How long will dentures last?
A. Dentures are not as durable as implants or bridges. However, this apparatus can still work well for ten years or more. It is essential to maintain them and be careful not to drop them during removal.
Q. How long does the implant process take?
A. Implants come in three parts: the screw, the abutment (or post), and the crown on top. The second and third portions cannot come until after the gums and jawbone have adequately healed. Altogether, this can take up to six months or more. The time frame varies from patient to patient.
Q. Can a patient have implants and dentures as a multiple teeth replacement option?
A. Many patients do have both. The implants can help support the removable dentures. Some patients even have the dentures fixed to the implants.
Q. What happens if dentures break?
A. If a false tooth breaks off the base, there are home repair kits available. However, patients should call our dentist right away. Our staff has the right tools and equipment to handle any repairs effectively.
Q. How should patients care for dental bridges?
A. A patient with dental bridges needs to brush and floss the bridge each day. To clean teeth, before brushing, patients should use floss, threader floss, or an electric cleaner such as Oral-B® Glide Pro-Health Threader Floss, SUNSTAR’s GUM® Eez-Thru® Floss Threaders, and Waterpik® Water Flosser. Also, the person should not bite down on hard objects or food.