What Are Your Options for Replacing Teeth?

Several dental treatments like bridges, implants or dentures can help replace your missing teeth and restore your smile.

Although our teeth are designed to last for a lifetime, they can come off because of various reasons. Missing teeth can be a problem for your dental health, like weakening your teeth and dental structure. Replacing your teeth is not a cosmetic dentistry treatment, but more of a restorative one.

What Causes Teeth Removal?

Several reasons can cause the teeth to be extracted. Tooth decay is the primary cause of dental infection. When your teeth get infected, they develop tiny holes or cavities that can damage them.

Leaving the cavities unchecked can cause the infection to spread to the inner cavity and eventually damage the teeth. Tooth extraction is done to stop the spread and preserve your remaining teeth.

Other reasons why the dentist can recommend a tooth extraction include dental overcrowding and impacted teeth.

Regardless of the cause of tooth loss, it is important to have them replaced to prevent bone loss. We have three different options that can help you replace your teeth.

1. Dental Bridges

A dental bridge closes the gap between your teeth. These false teeth are made of two or more dental crowns that are fixed on the adjacent teeth. The bridges come in three choices depending on the number and location of the missing teeth.

You’ll need at least two dental visits to have the bridges fixed. The dentist will begin the process by examining your teeth and dental structure. Next, he will prepare your teeth by reshaping the enamel to make room for the bridges. Finally, the permanent bridges are fixed and polished for a complete look.

These bridges resemble your teeth in appearance and function. They are also durable and can last for 15 years with proper care. But, they will have to be replaced at some point.

Bridges are cheaper than implants and are non-invasive.

On the downside, bridges involve altering the shape of your natural teeth, which is an irreversible process.

The teeth can also decay when food gets trapped underneath the bridges. That’s why it is important to maintain proper dental hygiene.

2. Dental Dentures

Dentures are false teeth that are made with a gum-like framework and are customized to fit your teeth. Two types of dentures are available—complete and partial dentures.

When you have more than half of all the teeth missing, the dentist will recommend complete dentures. Complete dentures come in two options; immediate and conventional. Immediate dentures are prefabricated at the dental office and are fixed immediately after the teeth are removed.

Conventional dentures, on the other hand, are fixed after the gums have healed.

Partial dentures are ideal if you a couple of teeth missing and the remaining ones are healthy. These dentures have a metal clasp that is used to anchor the teeth in place.

Both the dentures are removable, durable, and less expensive. Plus, they are easy to repair.

However, these teeth become loose as the bone shrinks. You’ll need to have the dentures adjusted often.

3. Dental Implants

Implant are metal screws surgically fixed on the jaw and offer a permanent dental solution. Dental implants are made of screws, abutment, and crowns. When fixed properly, these implants offer a seamless look.

Dental implant surgery needs a few dental visits spread through a couple of months. The process is done in phases. The dentist begins with assessment and examination. We examine the jaw to check for sufficient bone support. You need to have enough bone density for the implants to be fixed.

The dentist will drill the implants in and stitch them to facilitate healing. It takes a few months for the gums to heal and the bone to fuse to the implant.

Implants help to prevent bone loss because they fuse to the bone and stimulate growth. Furthermore, they resemble your natural teeth and are durable—lasting for more than 25 years.

However, for the implants to be fixed, you need to meet the eligibility criteria, which include:

• Bone support
• Matured jaw
• Healthy teeth and gums
• Do not smoke

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Green Tree Dental for more information on the dental treatments we use to replace the teeth.