Dental replacement

Dr. Arabella Michelén

Friday, June 28, 2024

Permanent teeth are supposed to be with us throughout our lives, however, for various reasons: illnesses, traumas, genetic and hereditary factors; the reality is different. A high percentage of the population loses more than one tooth during their life. Talking about the need to replace that tooth, it is worth knowing the main functions of the same: chewing, digestive process, phonation and aesthetics. If it is a temporary tooth, different aspects will be evaluated that will determine whether or not that baby tooth lost at the wrong time is replaced. For example, the moment in which that temporary tooth is lost, if the permanent one that is going to replace it is about to erupt, does not warrant it, generally this is verified with an x-ray.

In the case of an anterior tooth and the patient's mental health is compromised, preventing being the object of ridicule from others, as well as the aesthetic factor; this varies greatly from one patient to another, it is not the same for a child who is being reinforced with psychological therapies, who is going through a stage of special emotional needs, than when he or she has overcome this, or has not needed it. Consultation is very important and the decision is made together with the parents or guardians.

Temporary molars play a primary role in the chewing process.
The correct pronunciation of some letters can be affected by the absence of front teeth. Gaps in the jaws due to the absence of temporary teeth can predispose to bad habits, another reason to replace them.

Temporary teeth guide the eruption of permanent teeth, and this is one of their most important roles, as they facilitate proper eruption and a correct bite. They prevent complications and the need for occlusion treatments.
Patients with autoimmune diseases, motor limitations and other special conditions sometimes, and by decision of different health specialists, the treatment does not include the replacement of temporary teeth.

A space maintainer is commonly used, the design, type... will depend on each particular case, with the pediatric dentist and orthodontist being the appropriate specialists for this case.
When a permanent tooth is lost, that space must be replaced or closed using orthodontics.
The aim of treatment is to replace teeth by restoring function and aesthetics, and various factors will tip the balance between one or the other.
Among the most common are implants, fixed and removable prostheses.

Technological advances reduce discomfort, pain, inflammation, and procedure time; from the beginning, whether with the placement of the implant, impression of the oral tissues, creation and placement of the provisional and definitive prostheses.
Aesthetically, there are techniques and materials that meet this need more than satisfactorily.

This is how, thanks to scanners, laser application, zirconium, replacement is a fact in just a few hours. These are great allies of dental prosthetists and oral rehabilitation specialists.
In the event of trauma, it is important to pre-treat the surrounding tissues that have been affected.

Remember, each patient is unique, their medical history, along with imaging studies and any other necessary tests will provide the guidelines to follow.
Do not hesitate to consult your dentist, there is always an alternative to replace a lost tooth, satisfactorily, restoring health and beauty.