OPTIONS FOR TEETH REPLACEMENT
If you have missing teeth and
you are wondering if you can ever chew, speak and smile in the same way again,
the answer is yes. With advancement in technology, even the fully edentulous (no
teeth at all) person can have their bite again. Losing your ability to bite and
chew is a life-changing and stressful experience, and the inability to savour
and enjoy food can be depressing to many.
When teeth are missing, whether
it is the front or back teeth, your chewing ability will be affected.
Fortunately, missing teeth can be replaced. The following are the three options
your dentist may suggest:
1) Dental Implants
2) Fixed Bridges
3) Removable Partial or Full
Denture
These replacement options
usually last for years. It is important for you to be examined by a dentist,
who will go through a detailed examination before advising on the most suitable
option for your needs.
Dental Implants
Some time ago,
the idea that missing teeth could be replaced by artificial implants seemed out
of this world. Perhaps some of us will remember our elders telling us to take
care of our teeth because once they are lost, they cannot be replaced. Fortunately,
in recent times, with the evolution of implant dentistry and developments in
technology, missing teeth can be replaced by dental implants, which function, look
and feel like your natural teeth. Depending on your condition, your dentist may
be able to replace your missing tooth on the same visit.
The placement
of dental implants requires a minor procedure where the implant fixture (a
titanium screw) is placed in the jawbone. Once the implant is placed, two to
six months will be needed for the implant to integrate with your bone. During
this healing period, you will have a temporary crown or denture, so that you do
not walk out of the clinic with no teeth, especially in the case where one has missing
front teeth. The crown (visible) part of the tooth will be fixed onto the
implant when it is integrated with the jawbone.
To be continued.....
Written by : Dr Debbie Hong
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