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Dental Implants Alternatives
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Although our expertise is in dental implants, we recognise that dental implants may not be suitable for all patients, due to health, economic and personal reasons. Accordingly, we can offer alternatives to dental implants. After all, we are committed to finding the right dental solution for you.
We offer the following conventional methods of treatment for missing teeth:
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Fixed conventional bridgework (without implants)
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Removable partial denture without implants
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| For more information on alternatives to dental implants, please contact us
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FIXED BRIDGEWORK:
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To fit a bridge the neighbouring adjacent teeth need to be prepared (ground) down so that a bridge can be made to fit over the prepared teeth. The key advantage is that there is no surgery involved.
The disadvantages are:
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Healthy adjacent teeth are ground down removing valuable tooth structure.
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These prepared teeth may die and require root canal therapy. Approximately 10% of prepared teeth lose their vitality over a 10-year period.
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More loading stress is placed on these teeth as they have to bear the load of the extra teeth.
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Decay can develop around the bridge in 9.5% cases over a 10-year period.
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More difficult to clean.
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Bone loss can occur where the teeth are missing.
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REMOVABLE PARTIAL DENTURES
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Gaps between teeth can be bridged with partial dentures. The denture is secured to the remaining teeth with clasps or retainers. This option is the mos economical and often can provide a satisfactory result, but often leads to problems with oral hygiene and due to the adjacent teeth being clasped can loosen these teeth.
The other often forgotten concern is the ongoing bone loss that occurs once teeth are removed. This may be minimal initially and dentures may be satisfactory, however as patients age this bone loss continues and makes wearing dentures more uncomfortable. The denture can be relined for better fit but this is an ongoing problem for some and can prove a major concern for the elderly.
Advantages:
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Economical in the short term; and
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No surgery
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Disadvantages:
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Denture is not fixed.
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Lack of bone stimulation causes bone to resorb and shrink worsening denture fit.
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Speech may be impaired by poorly fitting dentures.
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May be aesthetically unsatisfactory.
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Can damage adjacent teeth and gums.
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Self-confidence and quality of life can be impaired.
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