Missing teeth can negatively affect a patient’s self-esteem and quality of life.
Eating problems, dental shifting, and progressive bone loss that affect facial aesthetics all contribute to this.
At Abbotsford Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Centre, we believe you deserve the highest quality tooth replacement options, including dental implants and the advanced bone grafting techniques that allow more of our patients the possibility of having dental implants placed.
While our practice specializes in dental implant placement, we recognize that implants may not be the preferred tooth replacement option for everyone.
That’s why we offer a list of the most popular tooth replacement options here.
Dr. Esmail is board-certified by both the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. If you would like to learn more about your tooth replacement options, please contact our practice to schedule a consultation with the oral surgeon to determine the right restoration for you. We look forward to meeting with you to discuss the restoration of your smile.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function just like natural teeth.
With dental implants, you can regain the ability to eat comfortably, and smile with confidence knowing that your replacement teeth appear natural and your facial contours are preserved. Implants also keep the jaw healthy and strong, preventing bone deterioration by stimulating the bone in your jaw just like natural teeth.
An incredibly versatile tooth replacement solution, dental implants can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even an entire arch of teeth. Unlike bridges, no healthy teeth are damaged to secure the restoration, and implants can last a lifetime with proper care.
Full-Arch Replacement
If you are missing an entire upper or lower arch of teeth, full-arch replacement may be an excellent tooth replacement option for you.
During your consultation with Dr. Esmail, you can discuss this option and decide if it is the best solution for your oral health condition.
Most healthy patients can enjoy this life-changing alternative to more traditional tooth restorations such as removable dentures. When you receive a full-arch restoration, you are replacing an entire upper or lower arch of teeth in a single procedure. The result is a fully functional set of new, stable, and life-like teeth, just as with multiple individual implants.
Because this treatment is completed in one procedure using just a few implants to stabilize the new teeth, it is cost-effective and efficient. Also, patients still benefit from the durability and health benefits of having individual dental implants placed, but with less post-surgical discomfort and reduced healing time, so you can enjoy your new smile much faster!
Full-arch restoration treatment is popular with our patients for many reasons:
- Reduced healing time — less post-surgical discomfort and swelling
- Lasting, non-removable restoration for an entire arch of teeth at one time
- Fully functional new smile
- Prevents bone loss and preserves your oral health just like individual dental implants
Your full-arch of new teeth will be custom designed for your mouth and be very realistic. During your post-surgical healing time, your set of teeth will be created by your restorative dentist. You will be outfitted with a temporary set of teeth the day of your procedure, so you can feel confident in your smile while you wait.
Bridges (Tooth-Supported)
Fixed tooth-supported bridges are a very common solution for replacing one or more teeth that are next to each other.
In this restoration, the bridge is secured into position by using the teeth adjacent to the missing teeth as anchors. Most of the time, your family dentist will need to reshape or grind down the teeth that are used to anchor the bridge. Your dentist will place the bridge over the re-shaped teeth. Bridges are popular because they are a relatively inexpensive way to replace missing teeth. However, bridges do need to be replaced after several years of wear.
Full or Partial Dentures
Full or partial dentures are popular, traditional solutions for replacing any number of teeth in one or both jaws.
While some people find dentures to be uncomfortable and cumbersome, others adapt well to them. Your family dentist (or denturist) will fit you with traditional dentures, and the process is generally quick and easy. However, differences in jaw size and shape can make fitting a patient with dentures a challenge.
If your dentist/denturist finds that your mouth or jaw needs work from an oral surgeon to prepare for dentures, you will be referred to a trusted local oral surgeon for pre-prosthetic surgery. This type of oral surgery reshapes the bony ridge under the gums so that your dentures are more comfortable and stay in place.