Tooth Replacement

Losing one or more teeth because of dental disease or another reason is quite unfortunate but common. However, living with a missing tooth can be embarrassing at times. It can affect your self-confidence as well as socialization skills. Thanks to developments in dentistry, there are several different options available to replace missing teeth. 

Here are five common options for replacing missing teeth:

1. Dental implants 

A dental implant is a surgical component, generally made of titanium, that integrates with the bone of the jaw or skull to support a dental prosthesis or to act as an orthodontic anchor.  During this procedure, our dentist inserts dental implants into your jawbone, replacing a natural tooth root, which will eventually act as a support for replacement with a dental bridge, crown, or denture.

Implants are a good option if you are missing one or more of your teeth due to periodontal disease, injury, or other dental health issues.

Benefits of Dental Implants

• They have a 95 percent treatment success rate.
• They are permanent and long-lasting.
• They appear natural and provide an appealing aesthetic.
• They require minimal maintenance.
• They are the best tooth-replacement option to prevent jawbone loss.
• They are the most cost-effective in the long-term.
• They do not require any alteration of the neighboring teeth.

2. Implant crown and bridges 

Both implant crown and implant bridges are implant-supported restorations used to replace missing teeth. An implant crown is the best option that replaces a missing tooth regardless if it is a back tooth or a front.

An implant-supported bridge is an excellent choice to replace several missing teeth — anywhere from three to 12. If you have no teeth, the dentist will perform a full mouth reconstruction with implant-supported dentures or dental implant bridges.

Benefits of Implant crowns and bridges

• No need to grind any of your healthy teeth to create a new bridge.
• Function like natural teeth.
• Provide aesthetically pleasing results.
• They look and feel natural, making speaking and smiling easy.
• They are easy to maintain.
• They are long-lasting.

3. Implant-supported dentures

Implant-supported dentures reside on titanium screws implanted into the patient's jawbone. Once the two fuses, the dentist attaches the dentures. When done, the individual has teeth that look and function completely normal.

Advantages of implant-supported dentures

• It helps to prevent bone tissue deterioration since the implants stimulate the patient's gums.
• It feels and looks natural.
• There is no adjustment period required with these prosthetics.
• This type of dentures require no extra maintenance than real teeth.
• The patient can enjoy his/her favorite foods.

4. Partial dentures

A partial denture is a removable yet natural-looking dental appliance that helps restore the form and function of your jaw by replacing your missing teeth.

Benefits of a Partial Denture

• They are not as expensive as implants or fixed bridges.
• They restore your smile as they fill in the gaps between your teeth.
• This is a quick and non-invasive procedure.
• They help improve your ability to eat and speak.

5. Complete dentures

Complete dentures, also known as full upper or full lower, replace a full arch of your missing teeth, unlike partial dentures that replace only a number of teeth. 

Benefits of complete dentures

• They improve your appearance by replacing a missing tooth, thus improving your self-confidence.
• They provide sufficient lip and cheek muscle support, restore facial dimensions, and create a younger appearance.
• Complete dentures may help make eating more comfortable and improve your speech.
• They are a fast and affordable treatment option to replace missing teeth.
• As they come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, they look natural and can match your natural gums closely.
• The dentist can adjust them to accommodate the changing shape of your jawbone.