Missing teeth mar facial appearance, self-esteem and oral function. Smile gaps weaken the jawbone, and gums quickly recede after tooth loss. Plus, the strength and alignment of neighboring teeth worsen. Dr. Douglas Baldwin of Foundation Dental Solutions in Arlington offers precise and realistic tooth replacements such as dental implants, fixed bridgework and dentures. A fellow in Implantology at the California Implant Institute, Dr. Baldwin changes failing smiles so people look, feel and function more like their natural selves.
The Reasons Behind Tooth Loss
Research shows that advanced gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. Other reasons include advanced tooth decay, dental abscess and oral injury.
While dentists and patients both work hard at preventive oral care, tooth loss still can occur sometimes. Dr. Douglas Baldwin, implant dentist in Arlington, offers modern solutions for failing and missing teeth. It all begins with a personal consultation with this caring and skilled dentist.
Replacing Missing or Failing Teeth
First, Dr. Baldwin performs a comprehensive oral examination, evaluating the health and position of remaining teeth, density of the jaw bone and condition of gum tissue. He uses digital X-rays and three-dimensional CT scan technology to look bone structure and integrity and other important factors. The CT scan is particularly useful in understanding the hard and soft tissues of the patient’s mouth and how dental implants may be properly inserted into the jaw.
After evaluation and consultation with the patient, Dr. Baldwin can place one of several modern tooth replacement options. These services help patients achieve youthful personal appearance and great oral function.
- Dental implants in Arlington Placed singly or in multiples or securing fixed bridgework or full or partial dentures, dental implants are artificial teeth from root to crown. Placed into the jaw during a simple in-office oral surgery, titanium implant screws meld with the jaw through osseointegration. Osseointegration anchors a metal post, and a porcelain crown finishes the restoration. This natural process also exercises the jaw every time the individual bites and chews. Patients must be in good oral and overall health, have sufficient bone and practice regular dental hygiene to be candidates for implants. With good in-office and at-home care, dental implants can last indefinitely.
- Dentures The partial denture replaces one, two or more teeth. Crafted from acrylic and attached to a light metal frame, the “partial” is removable. Full dentures which replace entire arches are secured by natural suction or by dental implants. Crafted from acrylic, full dentures restore the function and facial appearance of people missing a substantial number of teeth. They may be immediate dentures (placed right after extractions) or conventional (placed after extraction sites are healed).
- Crown and bridge Bridgework spans gaps from one or more missing teeth in a row. They anchor to adjoining teeth with crowns.
Solve the Many Problems of Missing Teeth
If you are missing teeth or need one or more extractions, contact Foundation Dental Solutions for a complimentary consultation with Dr. Baldwin. This experienced and compassionate dentist will craft tooth replacements that will make your smile look and feel just great!