Prosthodontics
Let us restore the appearance and function to your natural smile.
Prosthodontics involves the restoration and replacement of teeth, typically involving dental implants or dentures.
Dentures can replace some or all of one's teeth. Complete dentures rest on the gums, and their stability can be improved by attaching them to implants. Partial dentures attach to the teeth that are still present and rest on the gums where teeth are missing. Because dentures are made of plastic, they cannot be whitened, but staining can be minimized by cleaning your dentures every day to remove food and plaque. Denture brushes or soft toothbrushes should be used to keep your mouth healthy. Dentures should be removed at night to give gums and bone some "breathing room." Be sure to store them in water.
Over time, those with dentures may find that their dentures no longer fit as well as they should. A "reline" procedure involves refitting the base of the denture to the gums, allowing a tighter and better fit.
Dental implants are titanium cylinders implanted in the jawbone to replace missing teeth. They are complete replacements for the roots of missing teeth. In many cases, this is the best option for replacing single teeth. Their solid mounting to the jawbone allows the tooth to be replaced in a very natural manner. It typically takes 3 to 6 months for the implant to heal in the bone after a surgical procedure.
Restoration techniques are often employed when someone suffers from oral cancer, with 8 out of 10 patients being regular tobacco users. Heavy alcohol consumption also raises the risk. Warning signs of oral cancer include:
- Red or white patches in the mouth or throat
- Sores or ulcers that bleed easily
- Lumps in the neck, throat or mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pain and tenderness in teeth or gums
- Change in the fit of dentures
- Diminished functionality, such as opening, chewing or swallowing
- Swelling in the neck