Complete Tooth Replacement Options

Restore Your Smile and Chewing Abilities

If you're missing one or more teeth, AuSable Family Dental, P.C. offers a variety of treatments that can restore both the look and the functionality of your teeth.

Whether you're looking at implants, bridges, dentures, or another process, we work with most insurance plans and will file the paperwork for you. For an appointment, call us now at 989-344-2525 or visit our office at 800 E Michigan Ave.

Let Us Determine If Your Tooth Should Be Removed

A host of issues can lead us to recommend you have a tooth removed.

Severe decay
Advanced periodontal disease
Broken beyond repair
Poor positioning in the mouth
Preparation for orthodontic treatment

Once a tooth is removed, however, you should be aware that it can cause problems related to your chewing ability, your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, so tooth replacement will likely be recommended as well.

Dental Implants Offer a Long-Term Replacement

You may choose getting a dental implant to replace a missing tooth. An implant is a metal anchor that acts like a tooth root and onto which an artificial tooth is attached using a small metal post.

Usually an implant requires two surgical procedures. Initially, implants are placed in your jawbone where they bond with the bone. In the meantime, you can wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet for the next three to six months.

In the second phase, Dr. Oppermann or Dr. Whittaker will uncover the now-sunken implants and attach a small healing collar. They will start making new teeth by taking an impression and then connecting a post or attachment to the implants. Your replacement teeth then will be made over the posts.

The entire process takes six to eight months but most patients don't experience any interruption in their daily habits.

How a Dental Bridge Improves Your Mouth and Face

A dental bridge fills the gaps when you have missing teeth. Not only does a bridge restore oral functionality, such as biting and chewing, but it also helps support your lips and cheeks. A missing back tooth, for instance, can cause your mouth to sink and leave your face looking older. Missing teeth also promote gum disease.

What to Expect When Getting a Dental Bridge

If you're getting a dental bridge, you can expect two appointments. During your first visit, the doctor will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin and an impression of the results will be sent to a dental lab.

The lab will create the bridge from gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination of the materials. Porcelain is often bonded to either precious or non-precious metals, while crowns are cemented on your natural teeth to anchor the false tooth (called the pontic) between them.

It is critical that you keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean using strict brushing and flossing techniques.

Removable Partial Dentures Offer an Easy Option

A removable partial denture is a device that holds replacement teeth in a gum-colored plastic base and attaches to your existing teeth with metal clasps or precision attachments, which are generally better looking than the clasps.

Once it is properly fitted, your partial denture should slip on and off with relative ease. Over time, however, changes in your mouth structure, such as recession in your bone and gum ridges, may require the doctor to adjust your partial. Do not try to adjust it yourself!

Overall, partial denture care is a simple process of gentle brushing, regular cleaning, and overnight soaking to prevent the device from drying out and warping.

Complete Dentures Replace All of Your Natural Teeth

Complete dentures replace all your teeth and provide support for your cheeks and lips. Most of them are made of acrylic and are fabricated either after all your teeth are removed and your gums have healed or immediately after your teeth are extracted and the gums are allowed to heal under the denture structure.

Whereas an upper denture covers the roof of the mouth (the palate), a lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe in order to provide room for your tongue.

Over time, your dentures will wear and need to be replaced and you will want to continue with regular dental checkups so your oral tissues can be examined for diseases or changes.

Emergency

Appointments Available.

Please contact us today to Schedule

Call 989-344-2525

AuSable Family Dental, P.C.

800 E Michigan Avenue

Grayling, MI 49738