BRIDGES, DENTURES, & IMPLANTS
At Estes Park Dental, we work as a team to provide patients with complete satisfaction – in service and clinical care. Dr. Rauk and all of us at Estes Park Dental have developed the kind of environment to help you feel cared for and comfortable. Our entire team is committed to treating you with compassion, empathy, and excellent care. Before your initial appointment, please download and complete registration forms.
Fixed Bridges
If you have lost one or more teeth due to an accident, injury, or gum disease, a fixed bridge will restore your full, strong smile. A bridge not only fills the gap, but it prevents repositioning (shifting) of remaining teeth. It can also correct a misaligned bite, improve chewing function and speech articulation, and provide underlying support for cheeks, which contributes to a youthful appearance.
Made of one or more prosthetic teeth, to replace missing teeth, a bridge attaches to dental crowns placed on adjacent teeth (abutment teeth). Bridges are fixed, meaning they are not removable. The style of bridge Dr. Rauk suggests will depend upon the strength and health of your abutment teeth, as well as the location of the space to be filled. In some cases, Dr. Rauk may recommend securing a bridge with a dental implant instead of abutment crowns. With proper care, a fixed bridge may last 8 to10 years. We have seen them last 20-30 years and longer.
Dentures & Partials
Missing teeth cause a host of problems, from difficulty speaking and eating to low self-esteem and jawbone deterioration. Advances in dental materials and technology have made full and partial dentures more lifelike and comfortable than ever.
A partial denture, commonly referred to as a partial, consists of multiple teeth on a gum-colored base. The replacement teeth fit like a puzzle with existing teeth. A partial is normally secured with clips or brackets, but unlike a bridge, a partial is removable. Dr. Rauk can anchor a partial to dental implants, as well.
A full denture is a complete top or bottom row of teeth mounted on a gum-colored base. Dentures can feature a closed or open palate, and require denture adhesive or natural suction to hold them in place. Over time a denture may need relining to maintain a good fit. Many people struggle with loose or slipping dentures, particularly with lower dentures. If you would like to explore a more stable option, ask Dr. Rauk about implant-retained dentures.
Dental Implants
Implants can replace one or more teeth, or they can anchor a bridge, denture, or partial.
Dental implants are made of titanium alloy, which has proven to be extremely biologically compatible with bone. The implant acts as a replacement tooth root on which we secure a crown or prosthetic. Dr. Rauk works with several periodontists and oral surgeons, overseeing restoration of the dental implant cases.
Once the implants are in place, bone tissue naturally fuses with them during a process called osseointegration. Dr. Rauk then designs replacement teeth, has them created at dental laboratories, and secures them in our Estes Park office.
If you have further questions about whether implants are an option for your dental needs, schedule an implant dentistry consultation with Dr. Rauk.
- Fixed Bridges
- Dentures & Partials
- Dental Implants
Located in the Aspenwood Professional Building at 600 S. St. Vrain in Estes Park, Dr. Rauk’s dental office serves patients from surrounding areas, including Pinewood, Glen Haven, and Allenspark. Give us a call today to schedule your initial visit.