Tooth Replacement
Not many years ago, losing a tooth left you with few options for replacement. While permanent teeth should provide a lifetime of function, it doesn't always end up that way. They may be lost from an accident, decay, or gum disease.
Since teeth start as a full set, even one missing tooth may affect the whole makeup of your mouth's delicate balance. As teeth slowly lean and migrate, wear and cracking from excessive forces often create escalating problems.
When it's time to replace missing teeth, whether it's one or a full set, several options might be available to you. Dental implants often give you the best opportunity to enjoy normal chewing and a full smile, although other options deserve consideration.
We know it's not always easy for you to sort through the complicated possibilities. Dr. Ta's background in restorative dentistry allows his to develop solutions for every situation.
Dental bridges have traditionally been a top choice for replacing missing teeth. With the widespread use of dental implants, more options are now available to bridge gaps in your smile. Resilient, natural-looking porcelains, engineered into a bridge, can eliminate spaces of every size.
Porcelain Bridges
Whenever you drive across a bridge, you're being supported by the same principles that support a dental bridge. Crowned teeth on either side of a space are called abutments. They support an artificial tooth, called a pontic. While a bridge lasts for many years, sometimes the strain of supporting one or more missing teeth can cause the abutments themselves to weaken and may lead to more missing teeth.
A Better Bridge
In many cases, dental implants offer a better alternative, eliminating most of the load-bearing strain you see in traditional bridge abutments. When carefully placed in the bone, an implant mimics the root of a tooth. They bear the load that the natural teeth used to hold, sparing the neighboring teeth from excessive forces. In some cases, two implants may be used to build a bridge.
Dr. Loi Ta knows how to bring the puzzle pieces together to fit any scenario regardless of the scope of your treatment.
Sometimes a removable appliance is the best way to replace missing teeth. Dr. Loi Ta can help you decide whether a partial denture or a complete denture would restore your mouth to its optimal function and appearance. Sometimes a combination of dental implants and dentures are used for unprecedented stability and confidence.
Full or Partial Dentures
Dentures are an affordable way to replace any number of missing teeth in your mouth. They have a long history of success and continue to earn a place in the list of options for rebuilding your smile.
Dentures are removable substitutes for missing teeth. Full dentures are used when a person is missing all their natural teeth, while partial dentures replace only a few missing teeth here or there to eliminate gaps and improve chewing. Denture treatment is customized specifically to each patient, and Dr. Loi Ta can help you decide which option works best for you.
Full Dentures (conventional and implant-supported)
Sometimes tooth decay or gum disease can become unmanageable. This may lead to the decision to remove your remaining teeth on one or both arches. Full dentures are an economical and efficient way to restore your function and smile.
A complete denture consists of a thin gum-colored acrylic base that rests on the gum tissue. Porcelain or acrylic replacement teeth built into the base give the appearance of natural teeth. We know that your smile is unique, and Dr. Loi Ta has the experience to help you select the teeth that will look the most natural. This also gives you the chance to customize the way you look; whether you want a "new" smile or want to recreate the one you had.
While dentures boast a long history of successful use, modern technology offers some options to enhance the way dentures fit and the way you look. In many cases, dentures can be secured more firmly to your jaw with the use of dental implants placed in the jaw. In addition to having greater retention and a more natural look, implant-supported dentures tend to last longer. Dr. Loi Ta can discuss these options and help you understand the ways they can improve your experience with dentures.
Partial Dentures
Whether you've lost one tooth or many, chewing and smiling can become more difficult because of the gaps in your smile. Partial dentures are an economical solution to replace missing teeth, fill in the spaces, improve chewing ability, and restore your confidence to smile. A partial denture will also help keep your natural teeth from shifting, lowering the risk of losing those teeth in the future.
Most partial dentures contain a thin metal framework that is designed with small metal clasps that wrap around the gum line of existing teeth. This allows for a smooth, non-bulky feel. The framework is supported by your natural teeth to provide a reliable, secure appliance that is easy to use and remove. Where teeth are missing, natural-looking replacement teeth are attached, and gum-colored acrylic is used to cover the metal framework. Remember your mouth and your needs are unique, and Dr. Loi Ta works with skilled technicians to create a solution that is functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing.
With advances in technology, implants can also be used to support removable partial dentures, improving the fit while reducing the bulkiness of the appliance. Dentures inherently bring some challenges, especially to new wearers. Our goal is to minimize the everyday frustrations and keep you as comfortable as possible.
We look forward to discussing your options to make your mouth full again and to give you back a confident, glowing smile!
Implants
Implants
A long-lasting choice, implant-supported dentistry brings you as close to growing new teeth as possible. Expertly placed in the same bone that once supported teeth, you'll often enjoy the strength and function of nature. Modern porcelains produce a life-like result that may leave you completely unaware that they aren't your natural teeth. An excellent choice for one or more missing teeth, dentures can also be attached to implants. The stability and sense of confidence you develop with implants will leave you pleasantly surprised.
A custom road map for your return to full dental function when incorporating implants must guide the way. Dr. Loi Ta calls upon the best technology available to help plan your restorative case. Digital x-rays, 3D mapping, models, photographs and case guides prove valuable. Dr. Ta uses highly regarded specialists as needed to bring the components of your case together. But at all times, he serves as the quarterback of the entire plan.
Many patients find the procedure of implant placement easier than they anticipated. Various types of sedation may fit your comfort level best, so feel free to discuss them with Dr. Ta Modern dental anesthetic numbs the site, and experienced hands carefully place the implant. A tiny guide hole provides a path for threading a small implant cylinder into place. The sterile piece settles into a precise location, and a smooth cover protects the implant during the healing period.
In some cases, a temporary or permanent crown may be inserted at the time of surgery. Cases involving multiple implants often proceed the same way, with more temporary options available so you can smile confidently immediately.
Implants can't withstand normal bite forces until the bone has attached firmly to the delicate surface. Dr. Ta will help you decide what will work best during the initial healing period, and ensure you're still able to function while protecting your implants. This period usually lasts from 3-6 months as implants integrate into your jaw. Most patients experience minimal discomfort after placement, especially compared to tooth removal procedures.