Patients who are missing a single tooth or multiple teeth are at risk for several oral health complications, such as bone loss and infection. It can be difficult to eat and speak. Many patients report lowered self-confidence.
Drs. Park, Arcan, and Brewer at California Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center are expert oral and maxillofacial surgeons who practice the full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery at their practice in Huntington Beach, CA, including dental implants and full-arch restoration. However, dental implants may not be the right tooth replacement solution for every patient. Learn more about your options for tooth replacement below.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a popular tooth replacement option for many reasons:
- Versatile – a single tooth or multiple teeth can be replaced at once
- Permanent and secure
- Restores facial balance and harmony
- Improves oral health
- Many patients qualify
- Boosted self-confidence!
If you would like to learn more about dental implants, please visit our Dental Implants page.
Full-Arch Replacement
Full-arch replacement restores an entire upper or lower arch of teeth at once. Patients who are missing most or all of their teeth benefit the most from this treatment.
The full-arch restoration procedure works by strategically placing four or more dental implants along the upper or lower arch. A temporary but fixed set of teeth will be used initially, right after the dental implants have been placed. A permanent arch will be placed at a later appointment, after the dental implants have healed. A full-arch restoration can be fixed in place, like the All-on-4® treatment, or removable, such as the Bar Replacement Denture.
If you are interested in the full-arch restoration procedure, please contact our office.
Bridges (Tooth-Supported)
If one or more teeth need to be replaced and are next to each other, a dental bridge can offer a functional solution. Tooth-supported bridges snap over several teeth to bridge the gap between the missing teeth. Unfortunately, the teeth that support the bridge need to be ground down in order to receive the prosthesis — even if they are healthy. While many bridges are fixed in place with a permanent adhesive, some are removable. A general dentist places a bridge.
Normal wear and tear on the bridge mean that they often need to be replaced at some point. When a bridge needs to be replaced varies, but they typically last a few years to several decades. Multiple replacements over time add to the overall investment of this tooth replacement option, even though they are less expensive than a dental implant at first. Your dentist and oral surgeon can work with you to discuss all of your tooth replacement options.
Full or Partial Dentures
Full or partial dentures are a common choice for patients. Dentures should not be painful to wear, but some patients experience discomfort or difficulty when wearing them, and should consider other tooth replacement options if they are unsatisfied. In addition, pre-prosthetic surgery can surgically prepare the mouth to make dentures more comfortable.
Full or partial dentures are completely removable, which a lot of patients prefer. Your dentist can fit your dentures; however, if pre-prosthetic surgery is recommended, an oral surgeon will perform the procedure.
Tooth Replacement Solutions
California Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center offers many tooth replacement options at our practice in Huntington Beach, CA, including dental implants and full-arch restoration. If you are curious to learn more about your tooth replacement options, please call our office. A member of our team will be happy to schedule a consultation for you. We look forward to helping you achieve your oral health goals.