Tooth Replacements

Tooth Replacement (Prosthetic Dentistry)

When a tooth is missing a gap is created that causes teeth to shift and over-erupt in order to fill in the empty space.  Sometimes, more than one tooth can be missing or even all of the teeth are gone.  It is important to replace these missing teeth for your oral comfort and overall health.  Options for tooth replacement are:

• Bridges
  When a tooth is lost or missing a bridge is often recommended.  A bridge is a non-removable replacement attached to the teeth on either side of the missing tooth.  Without the use of a bridge, spaces in the mouth from the missing teeth can cause other teeth to shift, leading to biting and jaw problems.

Before	After

• Dental Implants
  A dental implant is an artificial tooth implanted into the bone. It is made of metal and covered with a porcelain crown or bridge.  Implants can last many years and restore almost any smile even if natural teeth have been lost.  The implant team includes either a periodontist or an oral surgeon who places the implant into the bone.  Dr. Zuidema then delivers the crown or bridge to complete the procedure.

Before	After

• Dentures
  Full or partial removable dentures replace any or all missing teeth.  Someone who has all their teeth missing can have either a traditional denture or a denture held securely in place by implants.  The implants are placed into the bone for retention and the denture snaps securely in place.  If just a few teeth are missing they can be replaced by a partial denture to improve speech, chewing and to avoid having the remaining teeth from shift or move.  Dentures are usually worn during the day and removed at night while you sleep for good tissue health.

Before	After

Visit our Before and After Smile Gallery to view more of our patients' amazing results!

Patient Testimonial

“I had a tooth extracted years ago and lived with the space it created, but never liked the way it looked.  Dr. Zuidema put a porcelain bridge in my mouth that filled in the space and it looked so natural.  I wish I had done it sooner!”