Dentistry’s brightest idea is to replace teeth … with implants!
Get to know modern bridges and dentures in 5 FAQs
When the office of Bright Dental – Brianna Rafetto D.M.D., P.A. says we offer the best treatments and highest quality care, this is more than empty words! Dentist Dr. Brianna Rafetto has taken hundreds of hours of continuing education courses. So she is better able to care for the needs of her patients from across the Middletown, Delaware, area. Her expertise extends to the restoration of dental implants. Dr. Rafetto partners with some of the area’s top specialists to ensure your implant-supported restorations look and feel natural and function optimally for years, even a lifetime, with proper care.
What are dental implants, exactly?
Implants are just one part of this modern form of tooth replacement. They are designed to replace a natural tooth root. Once they are embedded in the jaw, they are connected to a crown, bridge, or denture. Since the implant is “rooted” in the jawbone, it optimally stabilizes your replacement teeth!
How does it compare to other options for tooth replacement?
Traditionally, patients were limited to two options to replace their missing teeth: A dental bridge or a denture. The bridge is supported by neighboring remaining teeth, which act as “anchors” to hold up the prosthetic tooth. The denture is supported by either suction in the mouth or denture adhesives and other products. Due to the design of implants, the replacement teeth do not have to rely on other teeth, oral structures, and special products. They function like natural teeth; many benefits flow from this unique design that “mimics” the natural tooth structure.
What if I am only missing one tooth?
Implants are incredibly versatile. For patients with less extensive tooth loss, the specialist will precisely place a single implant in the jawbone. After the bone has grown into the implant as part of a natural and safe process, this cylindrical-shaped post can then function as intended—like a natural tooth root. Dr. Rafetto then restores the implant by attaching a dental crown to it. The crown is connected to the implant by way of an abutment.
What if I have lots of missing or damaged teeth?
You may be a good candidate for an implant-retained bridge or denture. Generally, the same concept noted above applies when placing bridges or dentures; only more implants are needed to support the additional prosthetic teeth. With modern techniques and technologies, a minimal number of implants may be positioned in the bone to stabilize a maximum number of prosthetic teeth as part of a denture or bridge.
I hate how my dentures feel. Can you help me?
We’d be glad to! It may be time for Bright Dental-Brianna Rafetto D.M.D., P.A to adjust or even replace your dentures for a better fit. We are also happy to discuss implants, even a hybrid or “retrofitted” version of your dentures. As appropriate, the denture may be altered with implants to support a lasting, good fit. One of the many benefits of implants is how they support the strength of the bone in the jaw. Traditional dentures do not do this; they promote bone loss. As bone is lost in the jaw, your appliance no longer fits as it once did. These complications are avoided with implant dentures.
Contact us to learn more about the many options available to today’s denture-wearers and others with gaps in their smiles. Our office in Middletown, DE, can be reached at (302) 376-7882, and we look forward to answering any additional or specific questions that you may have.
