The different ways teeth may be replaced

Depending on the situation, the determination of which method can apply to replace teeth that are missing is a choice for the individual in Ottawa. However, to date the most popular method of treatment is that of the surgical implant. The main reason behind this is that implants have a longer lasting effect because of their stability and strength that are outcomes of this type of treatment. However, there are other treatments available through the Ottawa Dental industry.

Denture Plates

Dentures are a form of replacement in Ottawa, a denture can take the form of a full set, or a partial set of teeth. In addition, a denture plate is removable. Dentures need the support of the ridge of the gum and the bone of the Jaw. In the case of the upper Jaw, (maxillary), the full denture plate, being held in place, is assisted with a suction that is present between the gum on the palate, (roof of the mouth), and the denture plate itself. If there is a partial plate, it gets support from the surrounding teeth and gum areas.

Fixed Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a type of prosthetic that is comprised of a single or multiple false teeth, and held in place by the surrounding healthy teeth. This may be a good choice when the teeth around the area of the missing tooth are healthy enough to provide sufficient support. The preparation for a bridge takes the form of reducing the surrounding teeth to enable the prosthetic to fit.

In Ottawa as well as elsewhere, this method is both cosmetic, and functional, the one issue is that the teeth that are reduced in size to become susceptible to nerve damage because of the amount of tooth enamel removed during this process. This may translate into later treatments such as a root canal. The expected longevity for a dental bridge is around ten to twelve years. Another aspect to consider is that when being replaced the surrounding teeth may need further reduction, which may lead to higher risk of bone loss and or cavities and gum disease.

Possible Effects

In any scenario where replacing teeth or a single tooth is considered in Ottawa, the reasoning and the health risks, both weigh heavily on any decision to move forward with either procedure discussed.

Loss of Bone

If a space where a tooth or teeth are left alone, loss of bone does occur over time. Resorption, as it is called, is due to reduced stimulation presented when chewing. This condition begins almost immediately once a tooth or teeth are removed, and progresses the longer this condition goes unchecked. Resorption occurs at a higher pace when there are a number of teeth missing even with a prosthetic bridge in place. Where this happens is in the area of bone that supports the tooth or teeth, (the alveolar bone). This change results in an ill-fitting denture plate, because of the reduction of the gum ridge that supports it. As the loss of bone continues, the gum recedes creating a possibility of impaction to the surrounding teeth.

Migration or Drifting

Tooth migration occurs when there is a gap in the tooth line, a missing tooth. This means that the teeth surrounding the gap will tend to move towards the center of the gap, or lean in that direction. This movement is natural, as teeth tend to migrate forward towards the opposing side of the mouth.

Stopping this is the line of the teeth in the mouth and the natural shape of the Jaw. However, when there are gaps between the teeth this drift happens to manifest a distortion in the contour of the gum line of the surrounding teeth. This leads to the inception of decay brought on by food and plaque collecting in these areas that make cleaning more difficult.

Furthermore, the progression of periodontal disease in Ottawa becomes a higher risk in addition. Tooth migration also may greatly affect facial features such as a person’s smile, and a person’s bite.

Are you experiencing dental problems? Try these local Ottawa dental specialists:

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[column size=”1/3″]Dr. Saso

New Teeth in a Day[/column]

[column size=”1/3″]441 MacLaren Street

Suite 370

Ottawa, Ontario K2P 2H3

Phone: 613-701-0888[/column]

[column size=”1/3″]View Map[/column]

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