Are you looking into denture implants to replace some missing teeth? Are you considering a fixed bridge to replace some missing teeth? A fixed bridge is a good way to replace teeth that will give you back significant jaw function, be more aesthetically pleasing and improve your confidence. For a fixed bridge to be successful however, there are certain processes that need to be followed.

If you’re interested in improving your oral health and learning more about replacing missing teeth then you’ll want to invest 20 minutes to listen to this edition of the Healthy Smiles Oral Health Show. In this episode, your host Nick Jaworski interviews Dr. Norm Ickert, Director of Ickert Dental Implant Centre. In this edition, they talk about replacing all the teeth of a patient with a fixed bridge.
The Options For The Replacement Of Teeth
Dr Ickert begins this episode by stating there are more options for the replacement of teeth than people realise. The standard denture is certainly not your only option.

If you are looking to replace teeth in more than one arc for instance, you are going to be looking for a fixed restoration; where your teeth can be replaced without any pallet. The fixed restoration will offer you as close to the feel and look of natural teeth as you can get.

This option does depend on you having enough bone. However, even if you don’t have enough, bone grafting can make this option available in the long term. Therefore, as Dr Ickert suggests, there is no reason why anyone can’t have an implant supported restoration.
The Process Of Replacing Teeth
Not much has changed in the procedures for restoring teeth from the time it was done with crowns and bridges. The most important, and difficult stage, is always the initial diagnosis and risk assessment. It is essential that a dental care provider starts with this basic step. This includes examining your medical and dental history and must cover your gum and structural health as well as aesthetics.

The assessment and discussion should be done with you before any treatment starts. The success of any implant hinges on proper planning and co-ordination of the treatment.
What Goes Into The Process Of Planning?
As Dr Ickert explains, there are various questions that need to be asked during the examination and planning stages. These questions include:

What is the proper position of the upper front teeth?
Is there a need to add / remove any bone / gum?
What is the size of your chewing forces?
What do you have on the opposing arch (i.e. natural or dentures)?
What materials can be used to fabricate the arch?
What is your ability to maintain the dentures?

As Dr Ickert states, no patient should be discouraged from taking any treatment. It is down to your preference on what treatment is implemented.

He also states that there should be no worry that you would leave an office without any teeth during treatment. There are always options for a temporary or mini implant to be used.
Are you looking for more information on fixed bridges?
Are you thinking about replacing an upper or lower arch with a fixed bridge? Do you want to know more about dental implants for a better lifestyle? Then listen to this podcast episode with Dr Ickert. When you’ve finished, why not return and give us your feedback?

The Ickert Dental Implant Centre is limited to implant-related dentistry, practicing comprehensive, aesthetic, and functional rehabilitative services that are both surgical and prosthetic in nature. Dr. Ickert is presently completing his Master’s Program in Oral Medicine and Implantology.

Ickert Dental Implant Centre
#105 – 8411 200th Street
Langley, British Columbia
Canada V2Y 0E7

Phone: 604-881-1381
Toll Free: (866) 981-1381

Website: www.ickertdentalimplants.com
Email: norm@ickertdental.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ickertdentalimplantcentre
Twitter: @IckertDental