When indicated, missing teeth should usually be replaced to help regain your ability to chew, prevent other teeth from shifting, and restore your smile. There are three main types of artificial teeth. Each one is designed for a particular situation:
- Dental Implant: A dental implant is made by surgically inserting one or more small metal posts beneath the gum into the jawbone. In a few months, when the implants are fused to the surrounding bone, the artificial tooth or teeth are then attached and the missing tooth or teeth are restored
- Fixed Bridge: A fixed bridge replaces one or more missing teeth. It is called a “bridge” because it covers a gap, and the bridge is supported by teeth or implants on one or both sides of that gap. The supporting teeth or implants are sometimes called abutments. In this procedure, each abutment is prepared to receive full crowns or caps. When completed, the bridge is cemented into position over the supporting abutments
- Removable Denture: A removable denture is a single appliance that replaces several lost teeth. The denture is held in place by clasping some of the remaining teeth — or by suction where none of the natural teeth are left
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