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Replacing Missing Teeth

Replacing Missing Teeth

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Tooth loss is a serious matter, there are unseen issues that could effect your overall oral health and replacement should be considered as soon as possible.  Pensacola dentist Dr White at White Smiles General Dentistry is here to provide you with information about what issues a missing tooth can create and to educate patients on the appropriate treatment to replace the tooth.  Below you will find three methods of replacing a missing tooth or multiple teeth.  Every situation is different and the decision as to which which method depends on many factors.  An assessment from Dr White is necessary to discuss these options and to determine which best fits your situation.

Removable Partial
Removable Partial
Removable Partial

Removable Partial

 

  1. What is a Removable Partial?

    • A partial is the least expensive way to replace any missing teeth.

    • A partial must be taken out at night to give the underlying tissues time to "breath"

    • Partials are made of acrylic, some have a metal substructure to help with the strength of the appliance and to clasp onto existing teeth.

    • Some partials can be made of a flexible material, Dr White will discuss the most appropriate material for your case.  

  2. What should I expect when getting a removable partial?

    • First and foremost, the area with the missing tooth should be healed and free of any infection.

    • A color is selected so the teeth on the partial will match your existing teeth.

    • An impression is taken of the arch and sent to the lab for fabrication.

    • A second appointment is scheduled for a wax try-in where you get to give the partial a "test run." This ensures the color and position of the replacement teeth match your existing teeth.

    • At the third visit your final partial is delivered and you leave with a beautiful smile.  

  3. What happens after I get a partial?

    • A removable partial must be cleaned daily with a brush, soap and warm water.

    • Partials are intended to be kept in a moist environment, when not in the mouth it is recommended that the partial is kept in a container full of water.

    • The American Dental Association recommends that a removable partial be replaced every ten years.

Tooth Bridge

Bridge

 

  1. What is a Bridge?

    • A bridge is a way to restore a missing tooth.

    • A bridge consists of multiple crowns attached to a "floating" tooth in the site of the vacancy.

    • The "floating" tooth is called the pontic and should appear to be emerging from the gums. 

    • Crowns can be made from many different materials, and Dr White will discuss the most appropriate material for your specific case.

  2. What should I expect when getting a bridge?

    • First and foremost, you will not experience any pain​.  With modern anesthetics patients should not experience any discomfort.

    • A color is selected so the bridge will match your existing teeth.

    • Once numb, Dr White will "prepare" the supporting teeth by taking away about 1mm of tooth structure all around.

    • An impression is taken of the modified teeth and sent to the lab for fabrication.

    • A temporary is made out of tooth colored material and the patient is scheduled for 2 weeks later for the permanent cementation of the bridge. 

  3. What happens after I get a bridge

    • It is common to have some soreness in the area of the injection.​

    • Some patients experience cold sensitivity for a few days to 1 week after.  If sensitivity persists please let us know so we can get you back in for Dr White to assess the problem.

    • An extra step is required when attempting to cleanse beneath the pontic (fake) tooth, this can be accomplished using floss threaders or Super-floss.

Implant Dentistry

Implant Dentistry

 

  1. What is an Implant

    • An implant is a way to restore a missing tooth.

    • An Implant consists of a titanium screw that is placed into bone and is connected to an abutment that is attached to a crown.

    • Implants need stable bone to be placed, sometimes an additional surgery is needed to build bone, schedule an appointment with the Pensacola dentist, Dr White to discuss your case.

  2. What should I expect when getting an Implant?

    • First and foremost, you will not experience any pain​.  With modern anesthetics patients should not experience any discomfort.

    • The implant is screwed into the bone and covered to heal for up to 6 months.  

    • After the implant is tested and determined to be a success an impression of the implant abutment is taken in the mouth and sent to the lab for fabrication

    • A color is selected so the crown will match your existing teeth.

    • 2 weeks later the final crown is placed permanently on the implant abutment.

  3. What happens after I get an implant?

    • Since the implant mimics the missing tooth, patients cleanse it the same way as the rest of your teeth by brushing and flossing normally.

    • Some patients prefer to clean their implant with a power brush and water pic.  These tools are not mandatory but they can make cleaning your teeth and implant easier.  

Call or send us a message to schedule an appointment.

Removable Partial
Dental Implants
Bridge
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