Replace Missing Teeth
Chicago, IL
Replacement Options for Missing Teeth provided by Our Team of Dental Experts
in Chicago, IL at East Village Dental Centre
 There are several reasons why a person can lose one or more teeth. It can be due to injury, tooth decay, gum disease, or age-related factors. However, the common factor here is that missing teeth lead to poor alignment of neighboring teeth and affect the facial aesthetics of a person.
Such consequences lead to a decline in self-confidence, eating and chewing abilities, and overall health.
At East Village Dental Centre, we offer the best variety of teeth replacement options in Chicago, IL.
What Are the Options for Replacing Missing Teeth?
Thanks to immense advancements in dental technology, there are several excellent replacement options for missing teeth. Depending on patient compliance, suitable treatment options, and oral health condition, there is always a solution to replace the missing tooth gap with a natural-looking prosthetic crown.
Dental Implants
The dental implant is the most efficient and favored method of missing tooth replacement. These metal implants inserted into the jawbone are a reliable and permanent solution to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth.
Dental implants can last a lifetime if you take care of them properly, including maintaining good oral health and regular dental follow-up checkups.
Dental Implant Supported Bridges
Implants-supported dental bridges are suitable for replacing multiple missing adjacent teeth where the patient doesn’t have to get a single dental implant for every missing tooth. Instead, the two ends of the missing teeth gap have dental implants, on top of which an implant-supported bridge holds the middle dental crown.
Tooth-Supported Dental Bridge
A tooth-supported dental bridge uses healthy adjacent teeth to fit the dental crown. The adjacent teeth of the missing tooth are filed down to the appropriate size and support the placement of a dental bridge instead of placing two implants into the jawbone.
This procedure is less invasive than dental implants but damages the adjoining teeth and increases the chance of infections and decay over time.
Fixed & Removable Dental Bridges
Dental bridges can either be permanently attached to adjacent teeth or removable. Dental bridges are a non-invasive treatment option for replacing missing teeth. They fill the missing teeth gap to give your cheeks and lips a fuller appearance and prevent the mouth from shrinking inward.
Fixed Bridge
Fixed bridges are permanently applied by placing the supporting dental crown and bonding them onto the adjacent teeth. Fixed bridges are permanently bonded and can only be removed by a dental professional.
Removable Bridge
A removable bridge is easy to remove and clean as it is only attached to the adjacent teeth by metal clasps. The precise attachment of these dental bridges allows the replacement dental crown to sit properly.
Complete and Partial Dentures
Removable Partial Dentures
Removable partial dentures are held in place with metal clasps and are one of the cheapest methods for tooth replacement. Adding more teeth to the partial denture is possible whenever the need arises. Applying partial dentures is easy, but the dentures can be uncomfortable and require removal and cleaning daily and before sleeping.
Removable Complete Dentures
Removable complete dentures require several visits to the dentist and are used to replace several or a complete set of missing teeth. These dentures are typically more uncomfortable than dental bridges and implants and cannot be worn for the whole day. Complete dentures may be applied after multiple tooth extraction.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are titanium posts that replace the roots of missing teeth. Typically dental implants refer to metal posts, abutments, and the dental crown. Dental implants are the most convenient and durable option for teeth replacement, as they provide a solid foundation for the replacement teeth, preventing them from slipping or moving during eating, speech, or chewing.
Dental implants are of two types: single-tooth implants and multiple teeth implants.
Single-Tooth Dental Implants
Single tooth implants refer to the replacement of a single lost tooth with a single metal post. The single-tooth implant allows the placement of a dental crown without damaging or filing the adjacent teeth.
Single-tooth implants prevent bone deterioration around the missing tooth site, as the metal posts act as natural tooth roots, stimulating the jawbone and gums and preventing atrophy.
Multiple-Teeth Dental Implants
Multiple teeth replacement is possible due to dental implants, bridges, and dentures. However, dental implants allow the replacement of multiple teeth with a strong and permanent foundation.
All-on-4® Treatment Concept
The All-on-4 Treatment Concept is a multiple teeth replacement option that allows the replacement of a complete set of teeth on the upper or lower jaw. By just using four implants, your surgeon can replace a full arch of teeth. The dental implants are drilled into the jawbone at precise angles and locations, allowing natural jawbone stimulation and preventing bone deterioration over time.
The advantage of getting a full dental arch replacement via dental implants over dentures is that dental implants maintain bone and gum health, preventing the formation of a collapsed smile.
Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Your dentist will examine your oral health prior to dental implant surgery to determine whether you are a good candidate for dental implants. Usually, anyone with healthy gums and a strong jawbone can undergo surgery.
However, if your jawbone is soft enough not to support the dental implants, the doctor might recommend getting a bone graft first.
Patients suffering from periodontal diseases or chronic diseases like leukemia and diabetes might not be suitable candidates for getting an implant.
Dental Implant Procedure
The dental implant procedure begins with an initial evaluation and a bone grafting process as required.
Placing the dental implant requires an incision into the gum to expose the jawbone. The oral surgeon will drill small holes into the bone to place the metal implant. The bone can heal for several weeks until the implant fuses with the jawbone. This process is known as osseointegration.
Afterward, a second small incision will allow the surgeon to fit a metal connector on top of the dental implant, known as an abutment. This surgery is followed by gum healing, and in the meantime, the dentist will prepare a temporary replacement tooth to fill the empty gap.
When the gums have healed, the dentist will place a removable or fixed dental crown on top of the abutment. Minor swelling and pain at the implant site after the surgery are expected.
Schedule an Appointment to Replace Teeth Today!
Our Chicago dental professionals provide excellent dental services because at East Village Dental Centre, we believe that regular dental checkups and maintaining oral health are essential to ensure the longevity of dental implants.
Call us at 773-341-9325 to schedule an appointment for missing teeth today! |
