If you are facing an extraction, you very well might be a little overwhelmed at the options for your future. Current technology gives us a few avenues when replacing a natural tooth with a prosthetic. Each mouth is unique, and creating a new structure has its own set of challenges and strengths as well.
Your two primary options are between a bridge and a dental implant. Today, your Cerritos, CA dentist explains how each of these procedures work. Always keep an open conversation with your trained oral health professional, as well. Comprehensive health care entails knowledge of all the body’s systems!
A Proven Solution
If you are missing a single tooth, or possibly a group of them together, the historic repair has been with a dental bridge. With this procedure, your provider places crowns onto the structures on the outside of the gap. Between these two caps is a prosthetic, supported by existing biological tissue.
This procedure does not affect the jaw underneath, which can save you the trauma of implanting a post. Speak with your dentist if you worry about the strength of your bones. This procedure includes first the imagery of x-rays or an intraoral scan.
Then, the prosthetic is crafted specifically for your smile. This process can move fairly quickly, and the teeth are prepared by filing and abrading in order to create an uneven surface. This creates a strong bond between the cement and your natural material. Upon cementing your new bridge, expect to treat it tenderly as it heals. After, you should be able to resume normal eating and talking activities, with some special care to the area during your nightly oral health care regimen.
A Technological Advantage
The other primary method of replacing a tooth is through a titanium post and a dental implant. This post uses a process known as osseointegration, which is where our body grows alongside the metal, without our immune system fighting it. In fact, these posts become protected by our body as part of ourselves!
Dental implants are now used for all forms of dental replacement, from one structure to a full mouth solution. Implant-supported dentures are becoming more and more popular, where a full prosthetic is mounted to your bone tissue. This eliminates the need for messy adhesives.
This method can also help you to retain more of your natural bone. When we lose a tooth, our body starts to reabsorb unnecessary tissue. But as we are looking to maintain this function, addressing this with an implant post can help you to keep your profile appearance. And you’ll stay feeling young!
ABOUT YOUR CERRITOS, CA, ORAL SURGEON:
Dr. Shawn Hofkes and the staff at Cerritos Dental Surgery are highly qualified to address complex issues, including those that require oral surgery to correct. To schedule an appointment or consultation with Dr. Hofkes, contact us today by calling 562-584-4082. We proudly welcome patients of all ages from Cerritos, CA, and all surrounding communities, such as Lakewood, Long Beach, Buena Park, and more.
