How to fix a prosthesis that breaks or is lost

Dentures are a removable dental appliance used to replace missing teeth. Prosthetics are false teeth attached to a dental appliance to replace missing teeth. A dental prosthetic is used to replace missing teeth.

What are dental crowns?

Dental crowns are commonly used to replace a missing tooth, but they’re also used to repair a broken or damaged one. Sometimes they’re called “caps” because they fit over the top of the damaged tooth and essentially act as a brand new covering for the tooth.

A crown can be made from all-metal material or from ceramic porcelain fused to metal. Ceramic materials tend to look more natural than metals, so many patients prefer them. Metal options can be better for patients who need a crown on a lower molar because they’re stronger and more durable.

The process for placing a new crown takes two visits over the course of about two weeks. On the first visit, the dentist will shape your natural tooth to prepare it for the crown and then take an impression of your prepared tooth to send to the lab where your new crown will be made.

At your second visit the permanent crown will be cemented in place on your prepared tooth. Then you’ll have to get used to the feel of having a different material in your mouth!

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth with false teeth that are anchored to surrounding natural teeth with the help of a dental crown. The bridge is permanently cemented in place and can only be removed by a dentist.

Dental bridges can last for years with proper oral hygiene and regular check-ups with your dentists. However, if the bridge becomes damaged, it may need replacement. If your bridge ever falls out, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist right away. You may need to replace the bridge if the abutment teeth are healthy, but the surrounding gums and bone have receded. This can cause health concerns once the bridge has been placed, so it’s best to replace it sooner versus later.

If you’ve lost your dental bridge, you’ll want to contact your dentist to schedule an appointment to have it replaced as soon as possible. By replacing the missing tooth sooner rather than later, you can avoid other dental health issues from developing. Keep in mind that when replacing a bridge, your dentist will need to shave down some surrounding teeth in order to place the new bridge and make necessary adjustments for a comfortable fit. Your dentist may recommend a partial denture as a more comfortable alternative to a bridge. If a dental bridge isn’t right for you, ask your dentist about your alternatives.

The dental bridge procedure typically takes two appointments to complete. At the first appointment, the dentist will prepare the teeth by shaving them down if necessary and taking impressions of the mouth to send to a dental lab. Temporary dental crowns will be placed while the permanent ones are being prepared. Once the permanent ones are ready, you’ll return to the dentist’s office to have the new bridge placed over the prepared teeth.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a post that is surgically implanted into the jawbone to replace the missing tooth’s root. Once in place, the replacement tooth is attached to the implant. Implants are necessary when a person has lost one or more of their teeth due to gum disease, tooth decay, or injury. Dental implants are often used to support dentures and bridges as well as other treatments like crowns, root canal therapy, and full mouth reconstruction.

The implant procedure involves creating a small hole in the gum line. Then, the implant is placed through the gums into the bone of the jaw. If the process is performed by an experienced dentist, this process should cause minimal discomfort. After the implant has been placed in the jaw, a custom abutment is attached to the implant with screws and a dental crown is created to cap the abutment. When properly cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Not all patients are eligible for dental implants. Patients must have sufficient bone density in their jaws in order to successfully receive an implant. If a patient does not have enough bone mass, bone grafting may be necessary prior to implantation.

For more information about dental implants and other treatment options, schedule a consultation with one of our dentists. We will be happy to answer your questions and help you determine which dental treatment is right for you!