Replacing Missing Teeth
Why It's Important to Replace Missing Teeth
Your teeth play a significant role in your overall health and well-being. When they're healthy, you feel better, too. Missing teeth can impact your bite, speech, and eating habits. As you rely more on your remaining teeth, you increase the risk of premature wear, damage, or even loss. This can also lead to headaches and jaw pain.
Who would want to see their appearance and health deteriorate? Missing teeth cause the jawbone to deteriorate over time, a process often referred to as the jaw "melting away." Typically, individuals lose about 25% of their jawbone structure within the first year after losing a tooth. Dental implants, placed soon after extraction, are easier to insert and offer more predictable results as bone replacement becomes more complicated over time. The great news is that implants function like your natural teeth. They preserve and protect both your bone structure and your oral health, keeping your appearance intact. Your dentist and implant surgeon will provide you with several options, enabling you to make an informed decision for replacing missing teeth.
Tooth Replacement Options
Several options exist for replacing missing teeth, from temporary solutions to long-term results. Ideal candidates include anyone missing one or more teeth or those dissatisfied with their dentures. Age is not a factor, but conditions like smoking, diabetes, or radiation therapy may affect implant success. X-rays will be used to assess whether your jawbone is suitable for implants, and additional imaging may be required to plan the procedure.
Fixed Bridge
A fixed bridge is a set of connected replacement teeth. It is cemented in place over the adjacent teeth to the gap. These neighboring teeth are typically ground down before attaching the bridge to provide support.
Flipper
A flipper is a simple, affordable, temporary option. This removable plastic tooth is connected to a plastic retainer and is often used as a quick solution until more permanent options can be explored.
Metal Partial
A metal partial is a more durable, removable option that consists of a metal and plastic denture. Held in place by wire clips, this type of denture can be taken out and replaced as needed by the patient.
Denture
Complete dentures are a popular solution for individuals missing all teeth in one or both jaws. While some patients adjust well to dentures, others find them uncomfortable due to variations in jaw size and shape.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the most permanent and comfortable solution for tooth replacement. They provide a solid foundation for individual replacement teeth or help secure specialized dentures. Implants protect the jawbone, keeping it healthy and strong. Unlike bridges, implants don’t compromise healthy surrounding teeth, and with proper care, they can last a lifetime. Implants offer stability and comfort, making them an excellent choice for nearly any patient.
Why Choose Dental Implants Over Traditional Restorations?
There are several reasons why dental implants may be the best option. A dental bridge often requires sacrificing the structure of healthy adjacent teeth to bridge the gap, while dentures can be inconvenient to remove and uncomfortable if they slip. Implants, on the other hand, offer a permanent, stable solution that requires no damage to surrounding teeth and provides reliable results.