Missing Teeth Agawam, MA & Enfield, CT

Having a healthy mouth and teeth affects your entire body and overall health. But even a single missing tooth can affect your bite, speech, and nutrition. As your remaining teeth have to take on the job of the missing ones, your chance of wearing them down prematurely increases. This may also affect your jaw, causing headaches and discomfort. Lastly, your appearance is greatly affected by missing teeth.

Another inevitable consequence of missing teeth is the depreciation of your jawbone. Individuals who have missing teeth will lose approximately 25% of their supporting jawbone structure within a year of tooth loss.

If you have suffered tooth loss, don't be discouraged, NobelPerio can help with dental implants. Although implants are most easily placed when teeth are first extracted, there are still options for obtaining them no matter how long your teeth have been missing. Dr. Ramirez can help you understand your options for dental implants so that you can make an informed decision about your tooth replacement.

An ideal candidate for dental implants is virtually anyone with one or more missing teeth that is unhappy with their appearance or concerned about their overall oral health. Age is not an important factor when considering your eligibility for implants. However, patients who smoke, have diabetes, or have undergone radiation may not have the same successes with dental implants as others. To further determine your eligibility for dental implants, digital x-rays will be obtained and evaluated. If dental implants are not ideal for you, or if you prefer a different tooth replacement option, NobelPerio can help you with the following tooth replacement options:

Fixed Bridge
Cemented into place on top of the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth, a fixed bridge serves as a connected set of replacement teeth. At times, the enamel of the anchor teeth will need to be removed in order for the bridge to fit securely.

Flipper
A flipper is an inexpensive and simple solution, comprised of a fragile, temporary, removable plastic tooth attached to a plastic retainer, filling the gap left by the missing tooth.

Metal Partial
Removable partial dentures are typically cast in metal and plastic and are held in place by wire. These restorations can be removed for cleaning.

Denture
Dentures are the most commonly chosen solution for patients who are missing most or all of their teeth. Some patients adapt well to dentures while others find them uncomfortable and intolerable due to their predisposition to movement and slipping.

Dental Implants
Dental implants are by far the most comfortable and permanent solution for replacing missing teeth. They are strong, well-built, and lasting, helping you to maintain a healthy jawbone. Each implant supports an individual tooth. Implants are attractive, stable, and comfortable for almost any patient and may last for the rest of the patient's life.

There are several reasons why dental implants are the most ideal solution for missing teeth, among the most recognized are their:

Longevity - They last a very long time.

Aesthetics - They look gorgeous and natural.

Functionality - They remain strong, firm, and in place.

While patients do not typically complain about their upper denture causing discomfort, many find lower dentures to be difficult to eat and speak with. NobelPerio offers many solutions for replacing lower dentures, including a few implant-supported replacement options. 

Ball Attachment Denture
The first option involves having two implants placed in your lower jaw and attached to a denture. This helps the lower denture to remain stable while chewing without the need for full implant placement. Some movement of the denture will likely remain, and this could allow for the trapping of food particles and soreness. Patients who choose this route will need to schedule regular check-ups for cleanings.

Bar Attachment Denture
A second option involves the placement of up to six implants (according to your jaw size and shape) into the lower jaw. Once full healing is achieved, each of the implants will be connected to a customized support bar to which your new dentures will be clipped. Also called an "overdenture," the advantage of this option is that it is much more stable than ball attachment dentures but allows for easy removal. 

Screw-Retained Denture
Our third option includes the placement of at least five implants into your jaw, then fixing a permanent denture to the posts. With this procedure, your denture is held in place by screws and clasps that secure it tightly. This option requires the removal of all of your teeth and cannot be removed, except by a professional at maintenance visits. You will be able to clean under your denture at home as it does not touch the gums. 

Individual Implants
Finally, NobelPerio can replace each of your teeth individually with natural, strong dental implants. This may require eight or more implants with separate abutments or support posts for each one. Crowns for each missing tooth will be made and placed atop the posts, helping the teeth to appear natural. Dental implants are the most costly option because they require the individual replacement tooth fabrication. 

Treatment options for patients missing all of their upper teeth are similar to those missing all lower teeth. The primary difference in these cases is that more implants are typically necessary to support replacement teeth on the upper arch. Depending on the number of implants needed, Dr. Ramirez may be able to eliminate the need for a full upper denture. This will leave the roof of your mouth exposed and better able to detect temperature and taste your food. You will still be able to remove your denture for cleaning.

Depending on the number of implants needed, Dr. Ramirez may be able to eliminate the need for a full upper denture. This will leave the roof of your mouth exposed and better able to detect temperature and taste your food.

If you would like a restoration that closely resembles your natural teeth and is permanent, you may need eight or more dental implants. Crowns will be placed after healing to resemble natural teeth.