Replacing Missing Teeth
- Missing Teeth
Fixed bridges and dental implants are often
used to replace missing teeth and to correct some kinds of bite problems.
Crowns and
bridges are the most effective procedure for replacing
missing teeth or bite problems.
bridges are natural-looking dental appliances that can
replace a section of missing teeth. Because they are custom-made, bridges are barely noticeable and can restore the
natural contour of teeth as well as the proper bite relationship between upper and lower
teeth.
bridges are sometimes referred to as
fixed partial dentures, because they are semipermanent and are bonded to existing teeth or
implants. Some bridges are removable and can be cleaned
by the wearer; others need to be removed by a dentist.
Porcelain, gold alloys or combinations of materials are usually used to make bridge
appliances.
Appliances called implant bridges
are attached to an area below the gum tissue, or the bone.
- Dental Implants
The concept of implanting metal or prosthetic roots into the jaws to support
teeth is not
new. Archeologists have uncovered attempts at dental implants in mummies found in ancient Egypt.
Early tooth replacement from ancient Mediterranean civilization
Over the
centuries this concept has been attempted in a variety of ways, but has been unsuccessful until
recently.
Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark is credited with the discovery and development of the technique of osseointegration. Osseointegration is defined as a chemical and mechanical bonding of a titanium implant (essentially a titanium screw or fixture) to the surrounding bone. These dental implants act as artificial roots, or anchors, for the replacement of missing teeth. Implants give replacement teeth a more stable base and improve the use one can get out of bridgework and dentures.
The treatment consists of 3 phases. The first phase of treatment is the placement of the dental implants by the surgical specialist. The second phase of the implant treatment is performed after an appropriate period of healing. A period of approximately 3-6 months is required for the process of osseointegration to be complete. The second phase of treatment consists of the placement of abutments or small metal posts to the implanted fixtures. The third phase of treatment consists of the restorative phase. In this phase the new replacement teeth are fabricated and placed on the implants and abutments.
There is now over 40 years of experience with dental implants. The success rates
have been measured worldwide. Over 95% of the implants placed into the jaw have a greater than 5
years success rate. Loss of dental implants after 5 years is extremely rare.