Options for Replacing Missing Teeth
Dentistry Built on Relationships, Honesty, and Trust
Des Moines Iowa's Solution for Missing Teeth
Your teeth affect your whole body. When they’re healthy, you’re healthier too. A missing tooth can affect your bite, speech and eating choices. As you rely more on your remaining teeth, you increase the chance they will wear out prematurely, or be damaged or lost. You may also experience headaches and jaw pain.
Who would want their appearance and health to deteriorate? That’s the natural consequence of missing teeth – the jaw melts away.
People will lose 25% of their supporting jawbone structure within the first year after tooth loss. Dental implants are more easily placed when teeth are first extracted because bone replacement becomes more complicated as time passes. The great news? Implants act just like your natural teeth. They safeguard and preserve your bone structure, oral health, and appearance. Your dentist and the implant surgeon will provide you with options so that you can make the most informed decision concerning tooth replacement.
To learn more about our what cosmetic dental services we provide, or to set up a consult, please contact us by using the provided contact form or by calling our office at (515) 277-6358.
With today’s advances, you don’t have to suffer from missing teeth. Here are some options to replace a lost tooth or teeth:
Removable Bridge or Dentures
A removable bridge, more commonly known as a denture, is a removable replacement for missing teeth and adjacent tissues. It is made of acrylic resin, sometimes in combination with various metals.
An advantage of immediate dentures is that the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, bones and gums can shrink over time, especially during the term of healing in the first six months after the removal of teeth. When gums shrink, immediate dentures may require rebasing or relining to fit properly. A conventional denture can then be made once the tissues have healed. Healing may take at least 6-8 weeks.
The denture process takes about one month and five appointments: the initial diagnosis is made; an impression and a wax bite are made to determine vertical dimensions and proper jaw position; a "try-in" is placed to assure proper color, shape, and fit; and the patient`s final denture is placed, following any minor adjustments.
Fixed Bridges
A fixed bridge replaces a missing tooth or teeth. It is called a fixed bridge because it is not removable.
A bridge is a structure, supported by teeth on either side of a space. It spans the gap between teeth, just as a bridge extends over a river.
How is a bridge made?
- The first step is to prepare the supports for the bridge.
- Replacement crowns are placed over existing teeth as supports for a bridge.
- The dentist pares down the teeth on either side of the gap, and takes an impression of the prepared teeth.
- This is then sent to the dental technician where the bridge is made.
- The technician will make a replacement crown for each prepared tooth.
- These crowns are joined to an artificial tooth, which replaces the missing tooth.
- The dentist will then cement the completed bridge over the prepared teeth.
Dental Implants
Dental Implants are a great advancement in dentistry as they permanently replace missing teeth in a way that no previous dental technique was able to accomplish. Implants are anchors made out of the strongest titanium materials that are inserted into the bone and then covered with a cap or denture.
They are firmer than a natural root and will never require a root canal or filling. An implant will help maintain the health and shape of the bone in the jaw area, and neighboring teeth do not need to be filed down to make room for it.
It is imperative that the dentist performing the implant be experienced and skilled in all the proper techniques of implant dentistry. When done successfully, an implant will result in a comfortable and natural looking tooth, thereby providing a permanent solution to a missing tooth.
Iowa Dental Group
You place a lot of trust in your dentist, and we will always be honest with you. This philosophy of educating our patients has been the hallmark of why we have been successful for over 30 years.
Our Promise
We have always prided ourselves in offering the highest quality dentistry at a fair and reasonable fee. One that the patient is willing to pay with gratitude and we are willing to accept with gratitude. Our patients are satisfied when treatment is completed or we will continue to strive to meet our own high expectations.
Our Award Winning Services
Patients will be educated on the type of dentistry they need and will never feel pressured or receive any sales pitch to have treatment.
You will always know the fee before treatment is performed.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Porcelain Veneers
Teeth Whitening
Restorative Care
Dental Implants
Dental Bridges
Root Canal Therapy
Dentures
Children's Dentistry
Periodontal Care
Dental Emergencies
Family Dentistry
Night Guards
Snoring Appliances
Extractions
Actual Patient Reviews
We have so many terrific reviews it's impossible for us to list them all! Thanks for supporting Iowa Dental Group with your gratitude.
Dental Office Location
Iowa Dental Group prides ourselves in offering the highest quality dentistry at a fair and reasonable fee.
Iowa Dental Group Des Moines
Des Moines, Ia 50311
(515) 277-6358
office@iowadentalgroup.com
https://www.iowadentalgroup.com
Iowa Dental Group Contact Form
Our Des Moines' Dentists Bob Margeas DDS & Nicholas Economos are eager to help provide any answers you may have. Contact us today regarding optimal oral health.
Dentist Office Hours
Our Dentists look forward to answering any dentistry related questions or dental concerns you may have regarding your overall oral health and smile.
Office Hours
| Monday: | 7:30am - 5:00pm |
| Tuesday: | 7:30am - 5:00pm |
| Wednesday: | 7:30am - 5:00pm |
| Thursday: | 7:30am - 5:00pm |
| Friday: | Closed |
| Saturday: | Closed |
| Sunday: | Closed |