Replacing a lost tooth improves your appearance and your oral health. Dental implants, bridges and dentures, three tooth replacement options offered by your Decatur, IL, dentist, Dr. Carol Cunningham, can help you restore your smile.
Dental Implants
Dental implants provide the newest and longest-lasting way to replace missing teeth. The implant process pairs synthetic titanium posts with dental crowns to create brand new teeth. The titanium posts serve as artificial tooth roots and are placed in your jawbone during minor oral surgery in Decatur.
Titanium implants slowly bond to your jawbone, creating secure, stable new roots in just three to six months. A dental crown, an artificial tooth that looks just like the visible part of your tooth, is added to the top of each implant to complete the restoration process.
Dental implants don't reduce your biting power, help keep your jawbone strong and feel very much like natural teeth. Because the implants become part of your jawbone, they may never need to be replaced.
Bridges
A bridge may be an option if you've lost one or two teeth. The restoration consists of several artificial teeth connected to dental crowns on either side. The hollow crowns slip over teeth on either side of the gap and anchor the bridge. Removable bridges are available, although most bridges are cemented on to the supporting teeth and become a permanent part of your smile.
Implanted-supported bridges offer an alternative to traditional bridges if you've lost several teeth in a row.
Dentures
Full or immediate dentures replace all of your upper or lower teeth. The removable restorations consist of synthetic teeth attached to a pink base that looks like gum tissue. Dentures improve your appearance and make it easier to chew and speak clearly.
Implant-supported dentures offer another denture option. Each denture can be supported by as few as four dental implants. The dentures are connected directly to implants or to a metal framework. Benefits of implant-supported dentures include improved biting power and comfort.
Fill the gaps in your smile with dental implants or other restoration options! Call your dentist in Decatur, IL, Dr. Cunningham, at (217) 422-7448 to schedule an appointment.