Single missing tooth

Dentures

Single teeth are rarely replaced definitively with dentures in dentistry today. Dentures have now become more of a temporary replacement until such time that the patient is ready for an implant or bridge. However, they can still help prevent tooth loss in neighbouring teeth by providing support and stability. Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential when wearing dentures to avoid tooth decay and gum disease.

Single implant supported crowns

Single implant supported crowns are used to replace a single missing tooth. The implant is surgically inserted into the jawbone. Three to six months later, the crown is inserted in place using the implant as a retentive foundation. These crowns can be made to simulate natural teeth and can last for decades, significantly improving the patient’s quality of life. This treatment option helps preserve existing teeth by preventing the shifting of adjacent teeth.

Multiple missing teeth

Dentures

Dentures are removable ‘plates’ made of plastic or plastic and chrome cobalt. They can support single or multiple teeth and are ideal for patients who do not mind having a removable set of teeth. They can be cleaned and maintained easily with good oral hygiene practices, which helps reduce the higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dentures can help preserve the structure of remaining teeth by preventing further tooth loss.

Bridges

Bridges are fixed prostheses usually inserted to replace one or two teeth. The longer the bridge, the greater the forces it is subjected to. Hence, only a maximum of two teeth may be replaced with fixed bridges. Bridges are a reliable solution for patients seeking treatment options that prevent the shifting of adjacent teeth and maintain the alignment of existing teeth.

Implant supported crowns

Implant supported crowns are good treatment options for the replacement of multiple teeth. The site has to be initially scanned to assess the quantity of bone prior to surgery. This solution helps preserve oral health by preventing bone loss and maintaining the integrity of neighbouring teeth.

Full arch of missing teeth

Dentures

When a patient presents with no teeth, the simplest form of treatment they can have is complete dentures. These are two removable plates (one upper and one lower) supporting a full complement of teeth. Although dentures can restore the appearance and function of teeth, patients should be aware of the higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease if good oral hygiene is not maintained.

Implant retained dentures

When dentures are constantly loose and poorly retentive, particularly in the lower jaw, they can be a source of embarrassment to the patient. Two implants with retentive devices called ‘locator attachments’ may be used to retain the denture in place. The denture can be removed, cleaned, and secured back into place onto the locator attachments in the mouth. This treatment option provides improved stability and can enhance the quality of life by preventing the discomfort associated with ill-fitting dentures.

Implant supported crowns

Implant supported crowns are used as a fixed replacement of all teeth. Here, 4-6 implants are placed in the upper and/or lower arch. These implants support the bridge by means of screws. This prosthesis is permanently fixed to the implants and can be removed by the dentist when needed. This solution not only restores aesthetics and function but also helps maintain oral health by preventing the shifting of adjacent teeth and reducing the risk of further tooth loss.

Dental implants to replace multiple teeth

This is a popular and reliable immediate replacement option for complete denture wearers or for those patients who have a debilitating dentition and are most likely to lose all their teeth. Here, implants are immediately restored with a temporary plastic bridge followed by a permanent titanium or ceramic bridge in the near future. In short, the patient receives a full complement of teeth within one week of implant placement. This solution offers an effective way to restore oral health, prevent bone loss, and improve quality of life.