Dental Implant Manassas VA
Maintaining oral health involves more than brushing and flossing your teeth. In fact, your dentist may recommend treatments such as fillings and crowns to preserve your teeth. But what if you lost a tooth? What are your options for teeth replacement? Great question!
Replacing missing teeth is essential to maintain oral health. For instance, missing teeth are known to cause issues such as decay, periodontal disease, and teeth shifting.
Teeth replacement options include dental implants, bridges, and dentures. Each option offers different benefits. Learn more below and contact Liberia Dental Care today.
Dental Implant
Dental implants are biocompatible tooth roots designed to be inserted into the jawbone. Essentially, they replace the tooth root along with the missing tooth. Dental implants are more natural-looking and are permanent. Patients do not need to remove them or worry about them falling out.
Another great benefit is that dental implants preserve the jawbone. Oftentimes, missing teeth cause the jawbone to deteriorate. However, dental implants assure that the jawbone maintains its shape.
Types of Dental Implants
Endosteal implants: these are surgically implanted in the jawbone. When the tissue is healed, the dentist will connect a post to the implants. Then, the artificial tooth will be cemented into the post.
Subperiosteal implants: Here, a metal frame is mounted on to the jawbone right below the gum tissue. As these tissues heal, the frame is permanently fixed to the jawbone. A protruding post will then be attached to the frame, and artificial teeth mounted.
Dental Bridge
Dental bridges consist of a dental crown at each end and a pontic tooth in between. In short, the pontic is held in place using the abutment natural teeth on each side of the missing tooth. Additionally, porcelain is often recommended because it is easily shaped and the color is closest to that of your natural teeth. Dental bridges use natural teeth to adhere but can use dental implants in some cases.
Types of Dental Bridges
Traditional bridge: This consists of dental crowns that hold the artificial tooth that is cemented on each abutment. This is the most popular. However, it can only be used if you have teeth on both sides of the gap where the crowns can hold.
Cantilever bridge: This is similar to the traditional bridge, but the artificial teeth are only held by the crown cemented on teeth that are on one side of the gap. Here, you only need one tooth on either side of the gap.
Maryland Bridge: The only difference between this type of bridge and the traditional bridge is that with this one, the teeth are bonded to a frame attached to the abutment tooth. It is also a method you can only use if you have at least one natural tooth on either side.
Implant-Supported Bridge: These use implants instead of crown frameworks. They are perfect for people who do not have any adjacent teeth to the missing teeth. Here the implants are surgically inserted, and the teeth are suspended between the implants.
Dentures
Dentures are removable mouth appliances that replace a few or all missing teeth. Fortunately, today’s technology allows dentures to look and feel more natural than before. Patients that choose dentures will notice a comfortable fit and natural-looking results. Depending on your needs, the dentist may recommend a partial or complete set.
Dentures are easy to maintain and can last up to 8 years. Patients are recommended to brush them twice a day to remove bacteria. Be sure to handle them with care. Dentures are sturdy but can become damaged if mishandled. Also, store them in clean water at night to prevent warping. Patients should also brush any existing teeth, inner cheeks, tongue, and palate.
Should you notice any damage or a loose fit, contact us right away. Damages to your dentures could cause oral injuries. Likewise, a loose fit may require a denture realignment. Following these hygiene recommendations will prevent mouth sores, bad breath, and bacterial build-up.
Learn More
Replacing missing teeth is important to maintain your oral health. At Liberia Dental Care, we recommend doing so early on. Replacing your missing teeth will prevent known issues like decay, gum disease, and teeth shifting. Find out which teeth replacement method is best for you. Simply schedule an exam and consultation with our team today. We offer several dental services including implants, bridges, and dentures.
Also, our team is highly-trained and educated to assist patients of all ages. We offer pediatric, general, and cosmetic dental services. Call 703-260-1200 or book an appointment online. Additionally, we have convenient hours and Saturday appointments are available. We look forward to meeting you!
