If you have a few missing or broken teeth, now is an excellent time to consider options for tooth replacement to perfect your smile. There have been many advances in modern dentistry, allowing you to select a tooth replacement option to meet your needs and budget.
Dental implants are a preferred tooth replacement option for many Australians; however, additional restorative dentistry treatments such as dentures and crowns are available. Explore all of your options for tooth replacement, so you make the right choice for your unique smile.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the most up-to-date tooth replacement option available. Dental implants offer you a tooth replacement option that acts just like your natural teeth and requires minimal upkeep after installation.
A dental implant is a tiny biocompatible post that is placed into your jawbone. The dental implant is typically made of titanium which fuses to the jawbone over time, providing stable support to which an abutment and crown are attached.
Dental implant Procedure
There are several steps to the dental implant procedure.
- Your dentist gives you an initial consultation and assesses your eligibility for dental implants with an exam and X-rays.
- Your dentist installs your dental implants in a minor surgical procedure.
- You spend 3 to 6 months in the osseointegration phase, where your jawbone heals and fuses to the dental implant.
- The foundation or abutment is placed on top of the dental implant to create a base for the crown.
- The artificial tooth or crown is placed on the dental implant.
In some cases, the procedure for dental implants is complicated by issues with jawbone strength or the sinus cavity. For example, some patients must undergo jawbone grafting to create a stable base for their dental implants, while others may need a sinus augmentation to lift their sinus cavity.
No Gaps Dental provides you with the option of an all-on-4 dental implant procedure and computer-guided implant surgery. With all-on-4, a full set of artificial teeth are attached using only four dental implant posts, which reduces the time of the procedure. In addition, computer-guided surgery allows for a shorter healing time and installation of the abutment and crowns on your implants.
Pros and Cons of Dental Implants
A dental implant is a fantastic tooth replacement option; however, it is crucial to explore the pros and cons of dental implants when considering them.
Pros:
- Implants last several decades if taken care of
- Implants restore and support jawbone structure
- Dental implants are comfortable
- They function like natural teeth
Cons:
- The dental implant procedure can be costly
- Surgical procedure required
- Ineligibility for some candidates
Alternative Restorative Treatments
Alternative options for tooth replacement include restorative dentistry procedures such as bridges, crowns, and dentures. These treatments are less costly than dental implants but do not offer the same convenience, functionality, and durability in the long term.
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Dentures
Dentures are a good tooth replacement option for people who cannot undergo a dental implant procedure. Dentures are artificial teeth that are worn on top of the gums. Dentures come in partial and complete sets and are completely removable. Denture bases are typically made of acrylic, metal, and nylon, with the tooth portion being made of porcelain or resin. When you get dentures, your dentist will take a mould of your mouth to ensure that your denture set fits snugly and comfortably.
Although dentures are an excellent option to replace missing teeth, they do require extra care. Dentures must be taken out several times per day to rinse after eating. Dentures also need a special brush, cleaning solution, and soaking solution for overnight storage. Improper denture care can lead to denture damage and cause uncomfortable sores and infections in your mouth.
For a more permanent denture solution, consider an all-on-4 dental implant solution. Patients with no teeth can opt for a full set of dentures secured to 4-6 dental implant posts inserted into the jawbone at strategic points. A complete set of dentures attached to implant posts is ideal for patients who wear dentures but deal with ill-fit and slippage that makes talking or eating challenging.
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Bridges
A bridge is a tooth replacement option suitable for people who have only a few missing teeth. A bridge is a set of artificial teeth held in place by attaching it to the surrounding teeth. There are three types of bridges that your dentist may choose based on the condition of your surrounding teeth.
Traditional fixed bridges are attached to the healthy teeth on either side of your missing tooth.
Cantilever bridges work for people who only have one healthy tooth next to the gap.
Maryland bonded bridges are typically used for front teeth and are made of porcelain crowns secured to a piece of metal. The metal wings are then clipped into the surrounding teeth.
If you are missing several teeth, you might also consider a dental implant bridge, in which a partial arch of artificial teeth is created and affixed to the jawbone via dental implant posts. This option requires fewer implants than a complete denture set. For example, with a four tooth bridge, you may only need two dental implants.
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Crowns
A crown is a cap made from a material such as porcelain, resin, metal, or ceramic, placed on top of a broken or damaged tooth.
In a crown procedure, your dentist shapes your broken tooth in preparation for attaching the crown. Then, a crown is created with your measurements and bonded to your tooth underneath.
Crowns made of metal last the longest; however, they do not match your natural teeth. Porcelain, resin, and ceramic crowns match natural tooth colour very well, but they are more expensive and less durable than metal crowns. Overall, a crown is a tooth replacement option that is affordable and functional for most patients and works well when your existing tooth structure can support it.
Benefits of Tooth Replacement With No Gaps Dental
No Gaps Dental is a smart choice for your tooth replacement treatment. There are several benefits to visiting our practice, including our adherence to health and safety guidelines that encourage exceptional hygiene, including the use of hand sanitiser. Per the Australian government’s recommendations, we use alcohol-based hand sanitiser, clean and disinfect all surfaces and dental tools, and practise staff handwashing throughout the day.
Our team provides quality patient care and consideration, along with wearing appropriate dental protective gear and utilising hand sanitiser during dental procedures. We offer flexible scheduling and payment plans so every patient can receive the treatment they need to maintain their dental health.
Start Your Tooth Replacement Journey Today
If you are looking to replace a broken, unsightly, or missing tooth, reach out to the team at No Gaps Dental about our options for tooth replacement. We offer several tooth replacement solutions, including dental implants, so you can fix your smile starting today. Contact No Gaps Dental on (02) 8806 0227 to set up an initial consultation.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.