Guide to Complete Tooth Replacement
The information in the Guide to Complete Tooth Replacement provides a comprehensive explanation of the consequences of missing teeth, a comparison of dental implants and dentures, and a detailed description of implant procedures. We encourage you to review all of the pages to help you make an informed decision about your treatment options.
Replacing Teeth That Are Failing
In cases where the remaining natural teeth cannot be saved with restorations or periodontal surgery, the first step in the process is surgical removal of the teeth, using a special technique that preserves the bone surrounding the teeth. This procedure is usually performed by surgical specialists with extensive experience removing teeth in preparation for dental implants.
Either immediately following removal of the teeth, or several weeks later, depending upon the recommended treatment plan, the surgical specialist places the dental implants using a precise procedure to prepare each implant site in the bone.
If aesthetics are an issue, a provisional (temporary) denture can be placed following implant placement. The provisional replacement teeth are primarily for esthetic purposes, rather than function.
The dental implants are left undisturbed for several weeks, or a few months, so that the bone can remodel around, or fuse to the dental implants. Following the appropriate period of time, as determined by the surgical specialist, for the dental implants to fully integrate with the bone, a small connector post called an abutment is attached to each of the dental implants. The final replacement teeth will be attached to these abutments.
The Prosthodontist will design the final replacement teeth (bridge, prosthesis, or overdenture) as well as the supporting structure of bars attached to the abutments, which will be fabricated by the dental laboratory technician. This process can take several weeks depending upon the complexity of the case, the type of replacement teeth recommended and the aesthetic requirements.
Replacing Teeth That Are Already Missing
In cases where the teeth have been missing for an extended period of time, the surgical specialist must determine whether there is sufficient bone for placement of dental implants. Both the quality and quantity of bone where the dental implants will be placed must be evaluated. 3D cone beam images with computer-generated scans are often used to facilitate the diagnosis and treatment planning process, as they provide a more detailed look at the existing teeth, bone, nerves, and tissue with both three-dimensional and cross-sectional views.
If a substantial amount of bone has been lost, bone grafting could be required for placement of dental implants. The procedure involves adding bone grafting material where the dental implants are to be placed and allowing sufficient time for the new bone to grow, augmenting the ridge enough to place the appropriate number of implants to support the new replacement teeth.
After a predetermined period of time following the bone grafting procedure, usually a few months, a special surgical technique is used to shape the bone for the precise placement of dental implants. If provisional (temporary) replacement teeth are necessary for esthetic purposes, the denture can be retrofitted where the dental implants are located so that it can be worn while the bone is remodeling around the implants.
The dental implants are left undisturbed for several weeks, or a few months, so that the bone can fuse to the dental implants. Once the bone has formed a strong bond with the dental implants, small connector posts called abutments are attached to the dental implants. The final replacement teeth will be attached to these abutments.
The Prosthodontist will design the final replacement teeth (bridge, prosthesis, or overdenture) as well as the supporting structure of bars attached to the abutments, which will be fabricated by the dental laboratory technician. This process can take several weeks depending upon the complexity of the case, the type of replacement teeth recommended and the aesthetic requirements.