Losing a tooth can be a frustrating and sometimes painful experience, and it can impact your daily life in many ways. Fortunately, there are various options for replacing missing teeth and restoring your smile. St. Helena Dental Studio offers different treatments, including dental implants, dentures, and bridges. We'll explain the benefits and drawbacks of each option, as well as provide information on the process and what to expect. Contact us for more details on teeth replacement procedures.
Replacing Missing Teeth St Helena

Top Treatments for Replacing Your Missing Teeth

Here are the most common options for replacing a missing tooth:

Dental Implants: A dental implant is a titanium post surgically inserted into the jawbone, replacing the tooth root. We then attach a crown to the implant, providing a permanent and natural-looking replacement tooth.

Bridges: A dental bridge is a prosthetic tooth anchored to the adjacent teeth with dental crowns. This option is best for patients who are missing one or two teeth in a row.

Dentures: Dentures are removable prosthetic devices that replace multiple missing teeth. They can replace just a few teeth or full upper or lower teeth set. Consult our dentist to determine which teeth replacement procedure is right for you.

Who are Eligible Candidates for All-on-4 Implants?

Wearing these dental implants may be a suitable option for individuals who:

  • Have experienced extensive tooth loss or severe periodontal disease
  • Are unable to wear traditional dentures due to discomfort, slipping, or difficulty speaking and eating
  • Have significant bone loss in their jaw, which may make conventional dental implant placement difficult
  • Want a permanent solution for tooth replacement
  • Have good overall health and do not have any medical conditions that could affect the success of the procedure, such as uncontrolled diabetes or a weakened immune system

All-on-4® Versus Dentures

There are several ways in which All-on-4® implants are better than dentures. Patients take care of All-on-4® implants in the same way they care for their natural teeth by brushing each day. The implants also operate in the same way as natural teeth, so the patient does not have to be cautious of what he or she eats. Along with the fact that patients do not have to remove All-on-4® implants when eating or cleaning the teeth, there is also no need for uncomfortable wires or brackets to hold the implants in place. Even more importantly for patients, the dental implants allow anyone to eat what the heart desires. You do not have to worry about hot or cold affecting your dentures. You also can bite down with up to 70 percent more force, which allows you to eat the foods that you love. Finally, All-on-4® implants look exactly like your natural teeth. No one will be able to tell that you are wearing a dental prosthetic. From a dental health perspective, it is important to note that when you have All-on-4® implants, it is going to prevent bone deterioration in the jawbone and ultimately restore your facial features by fighting resorption. The process of resorption involves the implants stimulating the jaw to send a message to the body that the jaw is supporting teeth once again. Resorption will help the jawbone to regain some of the mass that it has lost previously. Many of our patients who visit our office notice a difference in their facial structure as a result.

Schedule an Appointment with Us to Replace Missing Teeth

Whether you're missing one tooth or several, we're here to help you find the right solution for your needs. St. Helena Dental Studio is committed to providing high-quality dental care and helping our patients achieve their best oral health. Feel free to contact us to learn more about your options for replacing missing teeth.
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The Process of Getting All-on-4® at St. Helena Dental Studio

Typically, the surgery takes approximately two hours and 30 minutes per arch. We can install your All-on-4® implants on your upper, lower, or both arches at the same time. While a dentist may make the process look easy, the surgery is a complex procedure that we can complete at an efficient pace. The process of getting All-on-4® implants can be laid out in four steps:
01.
A detailed examination where we will look at your records, existing conditions, whether you have a denture, what your facial structure needs are, and any other factors that may come into play when placing your implants.
02.
Typically involves CT scans, which are 3D pictures, of the jawbone. The scans include the positions of the replacement teeth, while also giving us critical information about where the bone sinuses and nerves are located for the implants.
03.
Involves creating a computer simulation of the implants, which we digitally position into the jawbone at the appropriate location to give you the most support from your replacement teeth. We can adjust the implants as need be and fabricate your new set of teeth for your needs.
04.
Finally, the most important step is the oral surgery. During surgery, we will provide you with anesthesia and then place the implants directly into your jawbone to secure your new set of teeth in place.