Tooth replacement

Losing one or more of your teeth can cause a gap in your smile and the loss of chewing function. But an even more serious problem may lie hidden below the surface: bone loss.

If your gums and underlying bone structure are healthy, implants are a great option for tooth replacement which can actually halt bone loss. Dental implants are surgically placed anchors upon which crowns are then secured. Made of titanium and other bio-compatible materials, dental implants transmit chewing forces to the jaw, much the same as natural teeth do. This stimulates the underlying foundation, halting bone loss and helping to maintain jaw strength and health as the implants fuse with surrounding tissue.

Patients with single missing teeth who wish to avoid trimming down healthy adjacent teeth to place a bridge will find that an implant, followed by a single crown, is an excellent and conservative solution.

Implant-supported Dentures

Due to their stability and bone-preserving effects, implants are also a great choice for wearers of full or partial dentures. Implant-supported dentures are long lasting and they look and function more like natural teeth. Whereas the loss of bone associated with conventional dentures can lead to a recession of the jawbone, implants keep the bone healthy and your smile intact. The secure fit afforded by implants enables patients to chew foods such as steak which might otherwise pose a problem for denture wearers.

Are Implants Right For You?

Many leading dental organizations recognize dental implants as the standard of care for tooth replacement. They can be placed in both upper and lower jaws and have been used successfully for decades. Dental implants require good health, a three-step process to complete and a commitment to thorough oral hygiene and regularly scheduled dental visits. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please call us at 727.576.3319 and talk to any of our helpful team members.

Patients may feel self-conscious over the loss of one or more teeth, but missing teeth can also cause other problems.

Misaligned teeth, bite problems and periodontal disease may result as well. Chewing can also become compromised, causing food digestion problems. One option for the replacement of missing teeth is a dental bridge. The bridge does just what its name implies: it bridges the gap between one or more missing teeth. Dental bridges are supported by neighboring natural teeth or implants. A bridge is made up of two crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap, and one or more false teeth in between. The outer, anchoring teeth are called “abutments” while the false teeth are called “pontics.”

Bridges can:

•Restore your smile

•Restore chewing and speaking function

•Maintain the shape of your face

•Maintain the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth

•Prevent remaining teeth from shifting out of position