Missing Teeth Solutions
Missing teeth can be a concern of dental patients. Fortunately, we offer several services that can replace your missing teeth:
Dental Implant
- An excellent choice for the replacement of a single missing tooth
- Allows patient to easily clean and floss around the implant as one would a normal tooth
- Stays fixed in the mouth (not removed by the patient)
- An implant procedure involves placing a biocompatible titanium component in the jaw bone
- Has specialized attachments that can be used replace a single tooth or create a better-fitting denture
Dental Bridge
- C
an replace a single or multiple missing teeth between two or more existing teeth - Anchor teeth for the bridge are trimmed to allow for placement of the bridge
- Treatment time is typically faster than for an implant
- Stays fixed in the mouth (not removed by the patient)
Removable Partial Denture
Can replace a single tooth, but more commonly is used to replace multiple teeth- Two or more remaining teeth are typically clasped by the denture for retention
- Treatment time is usually 1 – 2 months
- Removed at night by the patient, but can be used to eat and perform normal functions
- Should be cleaned daily
Removable Full Denture
- Used to replace all missing teeth in the upper or lower jaw
- Treatment time is usually 1 – 2 months
- Removed at night by the patient, but can be used to eat and perform normal functions
- Should be cleaned daily
Teeth Cleaning and Whitening
Stained Teeth
Stained teeth are a common concern for dental patients. Tooth whitening procedures work very well depending on the cause of the stain. Discolorations can be categorized according to the location of the stain.
Extrinsic stains are those that occur superficially on teeth due to:
- Tobacco use
- Drinking coffee, tea, or dark-colored soft drinks
- Plaque accumulation
Brown, black, or grey discolorations are common with extrinsic stains. A cleaning by a dental hygienist using polishing agents can usually remove these blemishes.
Intrinsic stains are caused by defects within the tooth structure due to:
- Trauma
- High childhood fevers
- Excess fluoride
- Certain medications
These stains can vary in color from yellow to orange to dark blue to grey. Typically, yellow and orange stains are most easily treated. Intrinsic stains can usually be resolved by bleaching treatments. However, some stains may require correction by restorative procedures such as veneers or crowns.
Dental Cleaning
A professional dental cleaning at least twice a year can improve your oral health. The American Dental Association strongly recommends that a hygienist perform a dental cleaning every six months. This professional dental cleaning reinforces the home-care oral health regimen of brushing and flossing and gives the dentist an opportunity to locate areas in the mouth that may need special attention.
Teeth Whitening
Everybody loves a bright white smile, and there are a variety of products and procedures available to help you improve the look of yours. Start by speaking with your dentist. He or she can tell you whether whitening procedures would be effective for you.
If you are a candidate for whitening there are several ways to whiten your smile:
Zoom
Philips Zoom is a professional whitening system specially design for each patient’s whitening needs and is offered through both in office visits and specialized options for use by patients in the privacy of their homes. Ask Dr. Byrd today about how your smile can be brightened with Philips Zoom.
