EXPLORING OPTIONS TO REPLACE MISSING TEETH IN LAS VEGAS

EXPLORING OPTIONS TO REPLACE MISSING TEETH IN LAS VEGAS

By: Dr. Christopher Lim
Posted on: August 27, 2019

Teeth are not just a necessary component to a healthy smile. On a functional level, teeth are very necessary for healthy digestion. They are also supportive both to the jawbone and to the face. By recognizing the various benefits of healthy teeth, it is easy to see that there is more to tooth replacement than what meets the eye. Dr. Christopher Lim discusses with his patients the various ways to replace missing teeth in Las Vegas.
 

REMOVABLE DENTURES

A partial denture may be used to restore the appearance of the smile. This prosthetic appliance also acts as a placeholder for natural teeth, supporting surrounding teeth, and keeping them aligned. What is lacking with the partial denture is the stability for confident chewing and speaking. This type of care, as well, cannot stimulate the jawbone, which means over time bone tissue in the area of tooth loss will break down.
 

FIXED BRIDGEWORK

Bridgework comes in several forms, with the fixed bridge a common option due to a natural look improved stability compared to the partial denture. A fixed bridge consists of two crowns and an artificial tooth, which will create a bridge over the gums where a tooth or teeth have been lost. A concern many people have with this type of care is the necessity to grind down two healthy teeth and cover them with crowns in order to support the bridge. These teeth are then placed under extra stress. A bridge, although it can last for ten years or more, cannot prevent the loss of natural bone structure beneath the missing tooth.
 

DENTAL IMPLANT

To date, no other tooth replacement treatment has been able to achieve what is possible with dental implants. An implant is a small titanium post. In a simple surgical procedure performed under local anesthetic, it is inserted into the jawbone. Our patients feel no discomfort while Dr. Lim performs this quick procedure. After insertion, bone will gradually fuse to the post, permanently affixing it into the oral structure. When topped with the appropriate restoration, the implant provides such stability for speaking and chewing that many patients feel no difference between their restored smile and the smile they enjoyed with natural teeth.