Implant technology has improved so significantly that it has become the first choice in replacing missing teeth caused by aging, injury, excessive wear, congenital defects, or periodontal disease. Dental implants are one of the most predictable and successful procedures performed in dentistry today. Most people who undergo an implant procedure don’t feel a difference between their implants and their natural teeth. What they do notice is the remarkable ability to enjoy crunchy, crispy foods, smile with confidence, laugh without fear, speak freely and enjoy a long term restoration without compromise. Once in place, implants maintain function and esthetics better than other alternatives. Come in to discuss how modern implants can be used to replace one or more missing teeth.

A crown or onlay is a restoration that covers or “caps” a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and size, strengthening and improving the appearance of a tooth. These are necessary when a tooth is generally broken down and fillings won’t solve the problem. If a tooth is cracked, a crown holds the tooth together to splint the cracks so the damage doesn’t worsen. Crowns and onlays are also used to support a large filling when there isn’t enough of the tooth remaining, protect weak teeth from fracturing, restore fractured teeth, or cover badly shaped or discolored teeth.

In the past, dentists could only treat cavities with silver and mercury fillings. Modern restorative dentistry has replaced these unsightly fillings with tooth-colored composite fillings made of resin and glass. These fillings are bonded to the tooth, creating a strong seal that prevents future decay.

Learn More About Tooth Colored Composite Fillings.

A bridge may be used to replace missing teeth, help maintain the shape of your face, and stabilize your bite. A bridge replaces missing teeth with artificial teeth, looks great, and literally bridges the gap where one or more teeth may have been. Your bridge can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials, and is supported by surrounding teeth, or implants. The success of any bridge depends on its foundation — the other teeth, gums, or bone to which it is attached. Therefore, it’s very important to keep your existing teeth and gums healthy and strong.

An important step in maintaining a healthy smile is to replace missing teeth. When teeth are missing, the remaining ones can change position, drifting into the surrounding space. A Removable Partial Denture fills in the space created by missing teeth and fills out your smile. It also helps you to properly chew food, which is a difficult task when you are missing teeth. Removable Partial Dentures consist of a metal framework with plastic teeth and gum areas. The framework includes metal clasps or other attachments on teeth or implants that hold the denture in place.