Replacing missing teeth is an integral part of restorative dentistry. At Chapel Hill Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, Dr. Jim Furgurson helps patients who have lost one or more teeth renew their smiles. He replaces missing teeth with tooth implants, dental bridges, and dentures in his Chapel Hill, NC dental office. Missing teeth are not only an aesthetic problem but a dental health problem as well. If you have one or more lost teeth, you are more prone to developing tooth decay. This is because decay is a common cause of missing teeth.
Additionally, natural teeth can often shift to fill in the gap left by a missing tooth. This may lead to overcrowding. It can be difficult to clean between teeth that are overcrowded or crooked. Harmful decay-causing bacteria may build up in areas between teeth that are difficult to clean. Restoring missing teeth also creates a more uniform and balanced bite, so patients can comfortably bite, chew, and speak.
Options to Replace Missing Teeth
Patients with lost teeth can benefit from these restorative dental treatments:
Dental Implants
Dental implants are titanium posts that can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. They are surgically inserted in the mouth, where they fuse with the jaw bone over a period of 3 to 6 months. After the dental implants have healed, they are able to function just like natural teeth.
Single tooth implants are also covered by dental crowns, which are made of a durable porcelain ceramic material. Crowns are color-matched to blend in with the rest of the natural smile. Implants can support dental bridges and dentures to provide a long-lasting permanent restoration.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a prosthetic that may be used to replace multiple missing teeth. Patients with a row of consecutive lost teeth can restore their smiles with a dental bridge. Bridges may also be secured by dental implants. Traditional dental bridges are secured by adjacent natural teeth that are capped off by dental crowns.
However, the dental prosthetic lays on the gums and does not properly support the bite. With implants, patients are able to go about their daily lives without worrying about the stability of their dental restoration.
Dentures
Like dental bridges, dentures may be supported by dental implants. Removable dentures only restore part of a patient’s bite function, which means they will have dietary restrictions against crunchy and chewy foods. Traditional dental bridges are prosthetics that are held in place with adhesive or snaps.
Implant-secured dentures can replace rows or arches of missing teeth while offering strength and stability. When supported by dental implants, dentures offer patients full bite function without any dietary restrictions.
Schedule a Dental Appointment
Are you missing multiple permanent teeth? Do you want to restore your smile? Request a dental consultation with Dr. Furgurson on our website. If you are a new patient, call 919.736.6175. Current patients can call 919.251.9313. Please let Dr. Furgurson know if you have any remaining concerns or questions. He will always be happy to assist you.