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Mind the Gaps: Treatment Options for Missing Teeth By Andrew Mortensen, DDS on April 30, 2016

An implant-supported dental crownWhenever you are missing teeth, the ideal treatment option for you and your needs is determined by the nature of your tooth loss and the number of teeth that are missing. Your dentist will carefully tailor the restorative treatment to your needs.

Dr. Andrew G. Mortensen always takes great care when addressing tooth loss. His patients in the greater Fountain Valley area know that he offers advanced restorative dentistry to replace missing teeth, emphasizing total wellness as well as aesthetics. Let's consider the various options for tooth replacement right now.

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges will help bridge the gap between teeth. A bridge consists of a false tooth or a few false teeth. They are held in place by latching around the remaining natural tooth structure adjacent to the tooth gap.

Crown-Supported Dental Bridges

While the above bridges are removable, there is another option for your bridge to remain fixed in place. This involves the use of crown-supported bridges. With a crown-supported bridge, there is a dental crown on either side of the bridge. This crown caps a tooth adjacent to the tooth gap, bracing around that tooth to help keep the connected bridge stable.

Partial Dentures

When a patient is missing multiple teeth in a row but does not have sufficient tooth structure remaining for a bridge to be effective, a partial denture is used. Rather than latching around tooth structure, a partial denture is held in place by bracing around the jawbone and gum structure of the dental arch. Denture creams may be used to improve the overall grip of a denture when in place.

Full Dentures

Full dentures are used when a person is missing most or all of their teeth. Like partial dentures, full dentures brace around the structure of the dental arch and their stability may be augmented with denture adhesive creams.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into a tooth gap. The implants fuse with the jawbone and gum tissue, making them just as stable as natural tooth roots. Thanks to dental implants, bridges, dentures, and even individual dental crowns can be snapped into place, will very little chance of the implant restoration slipping or coming loose. The number and type of dental implants to be used in your case will need to be determined in the consultation process.

Additional Considerations for Implant Dentistry

For patients to receive dental implants, they need to have sufficient jawbone and gum tissue in place. Since missing teeth can result in bone loss and gum recession, patients may need to undergo additional grating surgeries before they receive dental implants. These procedures (i.e., bone grafting, soft tissue augmentation) will add the necessary hard or soft tissues so that an implant can be anchored into place at a later time.

Learn More About Restorative Dentistry Treatments

To learn more about treatments for missing teeth and how our team can help you have a healthy and beautiful smile, be sure to schedule a consultation for restorative dental care. Dr. Andrew G. Mortensen and his team will work with you to ensure your smile is its very best.

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Andrew G. Mortensen, DDS

Andrew G. Mortensen, DDS

Dr. Andrew Mortensen is a top-rated dentist with training from the world-famous Las Vegas Institute. His exceptional care and expertise have earned him hundreds of 5-star reviews, and he is an accredited member of the:

  • American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
  • American Dental Association
  • California Dental Association
  • Orange County Dental Society 

Ready to schedule a consultation at our Huntington Beach dental practice? Request an appointment online or call us at (714) 964-4183.

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"I am proud to have served patients in our community. Through continuing education and state-of-the-art equipment, we are able to offer you and your family the high level of care you're looking for." Andrew G. Mortensen, D.D.S.

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