Tooth loss can impair the function of the teeth, and leave patients feeling less confident about their appearance. At Narberth Dental Group, Dr. Katherine Miller and our dedicated team help patients restore their smiles by offering both traditional and implant-supported restorations.
Keep reading to better understand which option may be right for you.
Traditional Restorations
For patients looking to replace missing teeth, there are several proven, traditional methods that can fill the gaps in your smile. Whether you have one tooth extracted or many, conventional bridges, partials, and dentures effectively restore appearance and function.
Fixed bridges involve using the surrounding teeth to anchor the prosthetic to your smile. It represents a great option for those missing a small row of teeth. A partial denture works well for the same circumstances but allows you to remove the restoration for cleaning and maintenance. Removable dentures are a great option for patients wanting to replace an entire arch.
While these options are beneficial for preventing neighboring teeth from shifting into the gaps, they do not prevent the acceleration of bone loss, as they only replace the tooth surface. By choosing dental implants as part of your restorative treatment plan, you receive a comprehensive solution to your missing teeth.
Implant-Supported Restorations
Dental implants are a great permanent option for tooth replacement. They not only replace missing teeth in form and function, but the titanium posts mimic the natural tooth root. The presence of the implant helps limit the resorption process, where the jaw bone volume starts to decrease due to lack of stimulation.
Before placing the dental implants, your dentist will first determine if you have enough healthy jaw tissue to support the implant posts. Once a patient is deemed healthy enough for the procedure, the implants are secured in place. It’s often appropriate to wait a few months for the treatment site to fully heal and for the posts to fuse to the jaw bone. Once completely healed, the implant is ready to have a prosthetic secured to it with an abutment.
Choose Narberth Dental Group for Excellence in Dental Restorations
At Narberth Dental Group, we want to provide patients with options for replacing their missing teeth, which is why we offer both traditional and implant-supported restorations. If you live or work in the Merion Township area, call our office today to schedule an appointment.