Tooth Replacement
Bridges
Whenever you cruise across a bridge over the water, you’re being supported by the same principles that hold a dental bridge. Critical stabilization on each side helps bear the load, year after year. Teeth on either side of a space support a replacement tooth engineered from durable materials and glued into place. While this often serves for many years, the load-bearing teeth may deteriorate after thousands of chewing cycles. In some cases, this leads to more missing teeth.
A Better Bridge
In many cases, adding dental implants offer a better alternative, eliminating stress from the chewing system. When carefully placed in the bone of empty spaces, they mimic the roots of teeth. They bear the load that the natural teeth used to hold, sparing the neighboring teeth from excessive forces. In some cases, two implants may be used to build a bridge spanning from one solid titanium piece to another.
Although the planning becomes more complicated with larger spaces, Dr. Curfew knows how to bring the puzzle pieces together to fit any scenario. Regardless of the scope of your treatment, the steps are similar to deliver a functional, brilliant smile.
Implants
A long-lasting choice, implant-supported dentistry brings you as close to growing new teeth as possible. Expertly placed in the same bone that once supported teeth, you’ll often enjoy the strength and function of nature. Modern porcelains produce a life-like result that may leave you completely unaware that they aren’t your natural teeth. An excellent choice for one or more missing teeth, dentures can also be attached to implants. The stability and sense of confidence you develop with implants will leave you pleasantly surprised.
A custom road map for your return to full dental function when incorporating implants must guide the way. Dr. Curfew calls upon the best technology available to help plan your restorative case. Digital x-rays, 3D mapping, models, photographs and case guides prove valuable. Dr. Curfew uses highly regarded specialists as needed to bring the components of your case together. But at all times, he serves as the quarterback of the entire plan.
Implants (Surgical)
Many patients find the procedure of implant placement easier than they anticipated. Various types of sedation may fit your comfort level best, so feel free to discuss them with Dr. Curfew. Modern dental anesthetic numbs the site, and experienced hands carefully place the implant. A tiny guide hole provides a path for threading a small implant cylinder into place. The sterile piece settles into a precise location, and a smooth cover protects the implant during the healing period.
In some cases, a temporary or permanent crown may be inserted at the time of surgery. Cases involving multiple implants often proceed the same way, with more temporary options available so you can smile confidently immediately.
Implants can’t withstand normal bite forces until the bone has attached firmly to the delicate surface. Dr. Curfew will help you decide what will work best during the initial healing period, and ensure you’re still able to function while protecting your implants. This period usually lasts from 3-6 months as implants integrate into your jaw. Most patients experience minimal discomfort after placement, especially compared to tooth removal procedures.
Implants (Restorative)
Careful planning followed by implant placement sets a solid foundation for an array of restorative options.
After the healing period, crowns or bridges will be custom-made and attached to the implants with small screws or dental cement. Numerous components help Dr. Curfew deliver the best result when completing the final stage. But it’s the customization of your case from initial planning to final placement that makes all the difference. This allows a full range of services to be considered, from the replacement of one tooth to restoration of the entire mouth. Regardless of your situation, there’s a solution for you.
One of Healthcare’s Greatest Values
Even with all the benefits, the cost of dental implant procedures is an important consideration. When your case brings together the latest imaging, advanced training, and unique material technologies, this service offers one of the best values in modern health care. Compared to the replacement of other hard structures and joints of the body, most services with dental implants can be done at a small fraction of those costs. Better yet, most patients carry on with normal activities right away and usually enjoy a lifetime of normal chewing, bite stability, and appearance. But we know the cost of dental implants is an important part of creating a complete plan that works for you.
The cost of dental implant services involves several critical factors unique to each patient. A fee quoted without careful evaluation doesn’t consider what’s best for your mouth. And comparisons may not account for the difference in the quality of materials used, along with the training of the doctor performing this highly technical service. Dr. Curfew customizes treatment planning after he has spent time analyzing what would be best for each one.
One thing remains absolutely certain: You’ll get the highest value possible in modern implant dentistry. That means years of natural function and a smile that’s secure and makes you proud to show. We look forward to discussing how we can partner together for the best solution for you!
Dentures
Dentures offer an affordable way to replace any number of missing teeth in your mouth. They have a long history of success and continue to earn a place in the list of options for rebuilding your smile.
As you may know, dentures are removable substitutes for missing teeth. Full dentures provide value when a person is missing all of their natural teeth while partial dentures replace only individual missing teeth to eliminate gaps and improve chewing. Denture treatment is customized specifically to each patient, and Dr. Curfew can help you decide which option works best for you.
One of Healthcare’s Greatest Values
Sometimes dental conditions, such as tooth decay or gum disease, can become unmanageable. This may lead to the decision to remove your remaining teeth on one or both jaws. Regardless of the case, full dentures are an economical and efficient way to restore your function and smile.
A complete denture consists of a thin acrylic base that rests on the gum tissue and is the same color as your gums. Porcelain or acrylic replacement teeth built into the base give the appearance of natural teeth emerging from the gums. We know that your smile is unique, and Dr. Curfew has the experience to help you select the teeth that appear most natural and harmonious in your smile. This gives you the option to customize the way you look, whether you want a “new” smile or just want to restore the one you had.
While dentures boast a long history of successful use, modern technology offers better options to enhance the way they fit and the way you look. In many cases, dentures can be secured more firmly to your jaw with the use of dental implants, placed in the jaw and connected under the base of the denture. This connection can be designed to create permanent fixation of the denture or to allow for its removal at times. In addition to having greater retention and a more natural look, implant-supported dentures tend to last longer. Dr. Curfew can discuss these options and help you understand the ways they can improve your experience with dentures.
One of Healthcare’s Greatest Values
Whether you’ve lost one tooth or many, chewing and smiling can become more difficult because of the gaps left behind. Partial dentures are an economical solution to replace the missing teeth and fill in the spaces, improving chewing ability and the confidence to smile. A partial denture in place will also help keep your natural teeth from shifting, lowering the risk of losing those teeth in the future.
Most partial dentures contain a thin metal framework that is designed to rest close to your gums and allow for a smooth, non-bulky feel. The framework is supported by your natural teeth to provide a reliable, secure appliance that is easy to use. Where teeth are missing, natural-looking replacement teeth are attached to the frame, and gum-colored acrylic is used to make the appliance blend with your mouth. Again, your mouth and your needs are unique, and Dr. Curfew works with skilled technicians to create a solution that is comfortable and esthetic.
With advances in technology, implants can also be used to support removable partial dentures, improving the fit while reducing the size of the appliance. Dentures inherently bring some challenges, especially to new wearers. Our goal is to minimize the everyday frustrations to the lowest level possible.
We look forward to discussing your options to make your mouth full again and to give you back a confident, glowing smile!
Other Services
Cleaning & Prevention
Cosmetic Dentistry
Oral Appliances
Oral Surgery
Orthodontics
Sedation
Our Location
San Clemente, CA 92673
Office HOurs
8:30am - 5:00pm