Implant Dentist Longview WA, Dentures, Dental Implant Kelso WA, Rainier Dental Crown Longview DENTAL PATIENT Let’s say, I am missing a tooth. DENTIST Longview WA You are missing a tooth. Longview DENTAL PATIENT What I meant is, if I am missing a tooth, can it be replaced? DENTIST Longview WA Of course. Longview DENTAL PATIENT You say it like it is so easy. DENTIST Longview WA Dentists have been replacing teeth for a long time, and today we have more ways than ever to do it. Longview DENTAL PATIENT Ever? DENTIST Longview WA Ever. Which is good because there are negative consequences to missing teeth. They can cause chronic headaches, jaw aches, pains going down the shoulders and back. All kinds of things. Longview DENTAL PATIENT Okay, I’m convinced. So what could I do? DENTIST Longview WA There are a number of choices. Longview DENTAL PATIENT I like choices. DENTIST Longview WA Depending on the situation, you can choose dentures, dental bridges, or dental implants. Longview DENTAL PATIENT Now I’m not so sure I like choices. How do I know what to select? DENTIST Longview WA It depends on your situation. Let me explain each option to you. Let’s start with dentures. For many years now, when a fair number of teeth are missing, dentures have been used as a replacement. Worn in the mouth, a denture adhesive usually helps hold them in place. Longview DENTAL PATIENT Hasn’t there been some controversy about that? DENTIST Longview WA A few brands of adhesive have been linked to nerve damage. But there are always concerns about the stability of removable dentures. Also, some people have a gag reflex that prevents them from putting anything in their mouth like dentures. Longview DENTAL PATIENT But dentures do help many people? DENTIST Longview WA Absolutely. Now a more stable alternative, especially if there is just one or a few teeth missing, are dental bridges. Longview DENTAL PATIENT Pretty funny name. DENTIST Longview WA But one that makes sense. It is like a bridge between existing teeth to fill in space where there is a missing tooth or teeth. Often it is used after a tooth has been extracted. Longview DENTAL PATIENT So how do you build the bridge? DENTIST Longview WA You first put crowns on the two teeth on each side of the space you’re going to fill. Onto each crown you attach the ends of the bridge that will replace the missing teeth. Longview DENTAL PATIENT Wow. It really is kind of like a bridge. DENTIST Longview WA But the thing is, if those two supporting teeth have no fillings and are in really good shape, a bridge is not so desirable since you normally like to avoid grinding healthy teeth to put on a crown. Longview DENTAL PATIENT That makes sense. DENTIST Longview WA Dental bridges can work great. But realize you are using the 2 anchor teeth to support the bridge. If those anchor teeth are not strong to begin with, this added pressure could weaken them further. If this is a concern, there is still another alternative. Longview DENTAL PATIENT Dental Implants? DENTIST Longview WA Yes. Implants replace each individual tooth with a tooth implant. This leaves the other teeth alone. Longview DENTAL PATIENT Sounds good. How do implants work? DENTIST Longview WA An implant is actually the part that replaces the tooth’s root and is made of titanium. The actual replacement tooth that you see attaches to the metal implant, and is made of porcelain to match the surrounding teeth. Longview DENTAL PATIENT So the titanium part attaches to? DENTIST Longview WA An oral surgeon attaches it into the jawbone. Longview DENTAL PATIENT That sounds a little scary. DENTIST Longview WA It might sound that way, but really isn’t. Most patients who need an implant already have gone through losing a tooth, either by an accident or disease, and perhaps by the dentist extracting it. Longview DENTAL PATIENT Yes, that makes sense. DENTIST Longview WA The pain of getting an implant is only a small fraction of what occurs with a tooth extraction. Longview DENTAL PATIENT So it’s not really that bad at all. DENTIST Longview WA Often the patient experiences little or no discomfort. Longview DENTAL PATIENT I like that. So is an implant strong? DENTIST Longview WA Very. The bone actually grows into the outer surface of the implant which makes it even stronger than a tooth would be. Longview DENTAL PATIENT That is impressive. DENTIST Longview WA Dental implants don't move around at all, and depending on how long someone lives, they can last a whole lifetime if taken care of. Longview DENTAL PATIENT Wow. DENTIST Longview WA Implants can also be a little easier to clean than bridges, as dental bridges can make flossing a bit more challenging. Longview DENTAL PATIENT I like the option of dental implant. DENTIST Longview WA Different options may depend on where and how many teeth are missing too. For instance, there are now dentures that replace missing teeth that are anchored onto implants, which makes them very stable, and also solves problems like degeneration of jawbone that can occur with traditional dentures. Longview DENTAL PATIENT That is very impressive too. DENTIST Longview WA There are now even mini-implants that can lock dentures in place. Bridges can be done on implants as well. Longview DENTAL PATIENT There really are different options. DENTIST Longview WA More than ever before in history. Longview DENTAL PATIENT Ever? DENTIST Longview WA Ever. Longview DENTAL PATIENT Excellent. DENTIST Longview WA That is my motto. Remember, a regular dental checkup will keep you healthy as small problems can be caught much earlier before a major problem occurred. See you at your next dental visit! 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