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Tooth loss is an unfortunate fact of life--one that dedicated Andover, MA dentists, such as Dr. Richard D. Hopgood, try to avoid. While preventive dentistry accomplishes much toward vibrant oral health, sometimes decay, gum disease and accidents injure teeth and gums.
Research from the American College of Prosthodontists, experts in tooth replacement options, shows that 178 million Americans have lost at least one permanent tooth. Many millions have lost all their teeth, or are fully edentulous.
The solution? For some it's state of the art dental implants. For others, fixed bridgework attached to natural teeth spans smile gaps. Still more patients opt for modern dentures, full or partial replacement teeth custom-crafted to look, fit and function like natural teeth.
Types of Dentures
In general, dentures are made from gum and tooth-colored acrylic. Fabricated by master dental technicians according to Dr. Hopgood's specific treatment plan and oral impressions of the patient's mouth, dentures replace one or more teeth and help support facial muscles and skin so patients do not develop premature wrinkling and sagging. However, traditional dentures which rest on top of the alveolar ridge and gums do not prevent the gum and bone recession inevitable with tooth loss.
Andover dentist, Dr. Hopgood, offers several options to his tooth replacement patients, depending on need and preference:
- Immediate dentures, placed right after tooth extraction, allow the patient to go home with a full set of teeth in his or her mouth. In fact, these dentures actually help speed the healing of gums and bone, acting as a band-aid of sorts. However, as soft tissues and bone recede, immediate dentures require relining or even replacement to achieve proper fit.
- Conventional dentures are placed after tooth extraction sites are fully healed. This ensures proper fit of these acrylic appliances which rely on the mouth's natural suction for bite stability.
- Implant-supported full dentures utilize innovative dental implants. Surgically-inserted in multiples right into the patient's jaw bone, dental implants anchor permanent or removable dentures.
- Partial dentures are generally removable. They are made of acrylic and affixed to a metal frame. Clasps hold the appliance to adjoining healthy teeth.
Crucial Care
Natural teeth require daily brushing and so do dentures. Dr. Hopgood advises use of an ADA-approved denture paste or soak, and of course, patients should thoroughly clean remaining teeth, tongue, gums and other soft tissues of the mouth. If brushing after meals is not feasible, rinsing the mouth and denture well with water helps remove food residues. With good care, dentures last for 10 years or more.
Wondering about Dentures?
Andover, MA dentist, Dr. Richard D. Hopgood, and his team at Advanced Dental Concepts urge patients with failing teeth to come to the office for a restorative dentistry consultation. You'll receive compassionate and expert evaluation and care all through the tooth replacement process. Call (978) 475-2431 for a convenient appointment.
