Even one missing tooth affects its neighbors, your gums and the jaw bone. Eating, speaking and facial appearance change dramatically. Wehrkamp Dentistry encourages you to explore tooth replacement options such as dental implants in Brandon, dentures and bridgework.
Brandon Fixed Bridgework
The traditional choice for replacing one or more teeth has been the fixed bridge.
Dr. Scott Wehrkamp and Dr. Jeff Wehrkamp create functional and natural-looking tooth replacements with fixed bridgework.
One or more pontic teeth fill the gap created by extraction or injury. Constructed according to impressions, digital x-rays and Dr. Wehrkamp’s treatment plan, the fixed bridge secures to adjacent natural teeth with realistic porcelain crowns.
While a bridge restores smile aesthetics and the ability to eat and speak normally, it does not preserve gum tissue or jaw bone which recede after tooth loss. Additionally, the dentist removes substantial amounts of tooth enamel on the neighboring teeth to facilitate placement of the porcelain crowns which secure the replacement teeth.
Brandon Dentures
These artificial teeth are custom made from lifelike acrylic. Fully removable, they replace several missing teeth or an entire arch. They normalize appearance and support facial muscles. They approximate normal biting and chewing and allow patients to speak clearly. Dentures must be relined or replaced as needed.
There are 3 types of full dentures. One is called immediate because the dentist places them right after tooth extraction. This allows the patient to go home with teeth. However, as tissues heal and shrink, immediate dentures must be relined or replaced.
Another denture type is conventional. The dentist places these full dentures after tooth sockets have healed. Both immediate and conventional dentures stay in place with suction.
Finally, the partial denture consists of artificial teeth mounted on a metal frame and held in place with clasps. Fully removable, the “partial” completes a smile, but it does nothing to retain gums and bone.
Dental Implants from Wehrkamp Dentistry
Dental implants replace teeth better than any other prosthetic. They may be placed singly, in multiples or can support bridgework or full dentures. Dr. Scott Wehrkamp is a Fellow with the International Congress of Oral Implantology and possesses extensive expertise with the dental implant procedure.
The secret to the success of dental implants is osseointegration. Dr. Wehrkamp places implants as an in-office procedure. He inserts the titanium implant device into the jaw. Over time, the device and the bone fuse through osseointegration. This process creates an excellent foundation for the new tooth.
Dental implants succeed more than 90 percent of the time. Patients in good oral and general health and who have adequate bone qualify for dental implants. With diligent oral hygiene at home and regular cleanings and exams at Wehrkamp Dentistry, dental implants have outstanding longevity.
What are Your Replacement Options?
Contact Wehrkamp Dentistry to set-up a restorative dentistry consultation. Learn what tooth replacement is best for you, and enjoy a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles.