Tooth Replacement Options

Whether you need to have a tooth pulled, or you have had missing teeth for years, it’s important to choose a tooth replacement option that works for your lifestyle and current state of health. At Oral Surgery Hawaii, we offer a variety of dental implant-based tooth restorations that can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even an entire dental arch.

While dental implants are an excellent option for patients who want a permanent solution, we realize that they are not for everyone, which is why we have provided some information about a few of the most popular tooth replacements available. Take a look at the information below for a comparison of dental implants, full-arch implant procedures, dental bridges, and dentures.

DENTAL IMPLANTS

Features:

• Permanent tooth replacement (no removable parts)
• Look and feel identical to natural teeth
• Secure hold allows patients to eat virtually any foods
• Can support single tooth replacements, multiple teeth in a row, or full fixed dentures
• Prevent bone loss associated with missing teeth

Dental implants are surgically inserted into the dental arch to replace the root of your tooth, rather than just resting on top of the gums. Implants are the only tooth replacement option available that preserves the bone beneath your gums. Patients are drawn to dental implants because they are the closest tooth replacement to a natural tooth. If you are looking for an alternative to removable prostheses, implants may be right for you. To receive dental implants, you must be able to undergo an outpatient dental procedure and recovery period.

FULL-ARCH RESTORATION

Features:

• Permanent full-arch replacement (for an entire upper or lower row of teeth)
• Provides natural-looking replacement teeth
• Secure hold allows patients to eat comfortably
• Non-removable full denture alternative
• Supported by dental implants to prevent bone loss

The full-arch restoration procedure restores an entire arch of teeth in just one procedure. As few as four dental implants are strategically placed to secure an entire fixed denture. Your implants will prevent bone loss and permanently hold your new replacement teeth in place. Full-arch restoration is an extremely efficient procedure for patients looking for a permanent alternative to dentures. As with any dental implant procedure, patients must undergo an outpatient surgical procedure and a recovery period of a few weeks.

TRADITIONAL DENTAL BRIDGES

Features:

• Semi-permanent tooth replacement (may need replacing after as few as seven years)
• Natural-looking replacement teeth supported by your existing teeth
• Secure hold improves eating function
• Non-removable alternative to a partial denture

Dental bridges usually consist of one or more replacement teeth surrounded by dental crowns that will hold the bridge in place. The crowns are caps that your dentist or oral surgeon will affix to your existing teeth. For the crowns to fit properly, your teeth may need to be ground down or altered to some extent. Bridges do not protect against bone loss like dental implants, but they can combat against dental shifting. Patients who do not want to undergo a dental implant procedure may find a fixed bridge appealing.

DENTURES (FULL OR PARTIAL)

Features:

• Removable tooth replacement for a partial or full arch
• Provide natural-looking tooth replacements
• Prevent dental shifting
• Improve some eating function
• Semi-permanent option (may need adjustments or replacement after several years)

Dentures have improved greatly in quality over the years. A full or partial denture can be made by your dentist or prosthodontist to restore the appearance of missing teeth. Dentures can also help patients eat certain foods, although options may be limited to foods that do not cause denture slipping. For patients who want a removable option or those who cannot undergo more extensive dental procedures, dentures may be the best solution.

TOOTH REPLACEMENT IN HAWAII

Oral Surgery Hawaii offers a variety of dental restorations at our offices in Honolulu, Aiea, and Kaneohe, HI. If you would like to learn more about all of your treatment options, feel free to schedule a consultation with one of our oral surgeons. Your surgeon will go over your condition and help you choose a tooth replacement option that works for you. To learn more about the dental restorations that we offer, such as dental implants, feel free to continue browsing our website or contact our office for more information.