What To Expect When Replacing Missing Teeth in Singapore

Missing teeth should be replaced as soon after they are lost as possible to help prevent further dental problems such as bone loss or drifting of remaining teeth. However, it is a task that many dental patients tend to put off, procrastination that often stems from some anxiety at the prospect of undergoing dental care. If this describes you, knowing what to expect when replacing missing teeth can help reduce your anxiety, making it easier to reach out to your Singapore oral surgeon or dentist to get the care you need.

Replacing Missing Teeth in Singapore

The first step in replacing missing teeth in Singapore is a thorough examination of your mouth, which typically includes a hands-on examination as well as imaging, such as X-rays or 3-D imaging. This is done to evaluate your overall oral health and determine the options available to your for your dental restoration. Additionally, this exam will help determine whether any preliminary dental treatment will be necessary before that restoration can begin, such as extraction of failing teeth, treatment of active gum disease or bone grafting for instance.

Among the options you will likely be offered for the replacement of one or several missing teeth are dental implants, a fixed bridge or partial dentures. If you need to replace all the teeth in one jaw or both, options include removable dentures or implant-supported ones, which can be removable or fixed, permanent dentures.

If dental implants are the chosen method of dental restoration, your Singapore oral surgeon will do an examination and imaging in order to formulate the most effective treatment plan for you. Then, the required number of implants will be surgically placed into the jawbone, a procedure that most dental patients say is no more painful or distressing than a simple tooth extraction. Depending upon the type of procedure performed, replacement teeth may be mounted to implants immediately or after a three to six month healing period, during which a temporary denture can be worn.

If you'll be replacing missing teeth with a fixed bridge, a prosthetic replacement for them will be fabricated from impressions taken by your dentist. Then, natural teeth on either side of the gap left by missing teeth will be prepared to accept crowns on each end of the bridge, providing the support necessary for secure bridge retention. That preparation will include reshaping of those teeth, and sometimes, root canals will be performed before the bridge is cemented in place.

Permanent Dentures vs. Removable Dentures

Dentures, both partial and full, are also fabricated from impressions taken of the contours of the gum ridge and for full upper dentures, the palette. The fabrication and fitting process generally requires a number of dental visits over several months to achieve optimal fit and comfort, and patients are typically given a temporary denture to wear as permanent ones are made.

Replacing missing teeth is nothing to be afraid of, no matter which option you choose for your dental restoration. If you're anxious in the dental chair, tell your Singapore oral surgeon or dentist. Sedation can be used to ease your nerves during dental restoration, as well as anesthesia, either local or general as recommended by your dental professional. Ask plenty of questions about your particular dental procedure as well, since understanding exactly what will occur during each step of treatment will make the process less stressful, and remember, once it's done, you'll be rewarded with better dental health and a brilliant new smile.

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