Tooth Replacement Options For Missing Teeth

A missing tooth is not something you would want to live with. For one thing, it can cause a plethora of issues, if left untreated. Losing even a single tooth could negatively impact your oral health as well as confidence. It can also affect your chewing ability, speech ability; not to mention the integrity of your entire jawbone.

Over the years, due to a missing tooth, other teeth could start shifting into empty spaces. Fortunately, we do have several fine options in dentistry to restore your smile as well as missing teeth.

Let’s take a look at some of those options -

Dental Implants

A highly popular option, dental implants are one of the best solutions for a missing tooth replacement. They are great in case of multiple missing teeth or even when you want the entire set replaced.

Implants come with a strong foundation. What’s more, they look just like your natural teeth. The procedure involves replacing the roots using titanium posts to secure the implant in place.

At times, the procedure would demand only one visit to the dentist. However, there can be times when the process may take multiple visits. It varies from patient to patient.

Benefits of Dental Implants

• They look and work like natural teeth

• They feel strong and stable

• Highly durable. They can easily last several years. With the right care, they could even last a lifetime.

• Good for preserving bone and bone tissues

• Easy to clean with regular flossing and brushing.

• Dental implants don’t rely on fixing adjacent teeth to replace a missing tooth. In this way, they are highly individualized.

Removable Partial Dentures

Compared to other options, partial removable dentures are rather simple. They are quite similar to dental implants. This option is perfect for people who want to replace only a few missing teeth rather than going for a full denture set.

The procedure entails closing the partial dentures into place correctly to make sure they stay within appropriate spots.

Benefits of Partial Dentures

• In case you lose any part of your teeth in the future, your dentist can secure additional teeth directly with the partial denture. In this way, you can save money and time.

• They are strong but also affordable

• Easy to replace and repair whenever needed

• Simple application that requires only metal clasps.

Implant-Supported Dentures

To secure these in place, your dentist would use implants rather than an adhesive. Therefore, implant-supported dentures are a lot sturdier than conventional dentures. The implant allows excellent fixture support.

It, therefore, helps to reduce the bulkiness of the dentures while also creating more wiggle room for the tongue and space around teeth. Because of this, your food-tasting ability is not hampered.

Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures

• One of the most affordable options to restore your smile and ability to chew without burning a hole in your pocket.

• Easy cleaning and maintenance

• Helpful in preserving gum tissues, muscle tone, and bone health.

• Offers excellent support without the need for adhesion. The result matches with surrounding teeth.

Tooth-Supported Bridges

To place a tooth-supported bridge, your dentist places two implants to create a support system. But, with a tooth-supported bridge, surrounding teeth are used for support.

The procedure entails placing a crown on the teeth next to the missing one. It’s then cemented firmly into place. You can complete the procedure within a few visits.

Pros of Tooth-Supported Bridges

• Tooth supported bridges offer a realistic and natural feel similar to a dental implant

• No need for surgery. The process is simple, minimal, and less invasive.

• A highly economical option when you compare the cost with that of traditional dental implants.

Cons of Tooth-Supported Bridges

• Adjacent teeth are filed to match the size of the crown. It, therefore, increases the odds of infection in the future.

• An ill-fitting bridge could lead to damage of adjoining teeth down the road.

• It’s easy for food particles to get stuck under the bridge making it that much harder to clean. In the absence of proper cleaning habits and oral healthcare, you run the risk of bone loss and infection.

Flipper

It’s a temporary partial denture that you can flip in and out of position. A flipper doesn’t need the help of surrounding teeth to remain in place. It doesn't use any metal clasps either.

Pros of a Flipper

• One of the cheaper and more painless procedures for replacing a missing tooth

• Compared to traditional parietal dentures, a flipper is much lighter.

• It’s a great temporary option for tooth replacement until you come up with a more permanent solution.

Cons of a Flipper

• At times, flippers can feel uncomfortable

• It’s only a temporary option

• Due to their bulky design, flippers run a risk of breaking accidentally.

Bottom Line

All of these are highly promising dentistry procedures for replacing a missing tooth. Since all of these carry different pros and cons; not to mention different pricing - in the end, you need to decide carefully which option is ideal for you. In case of confusion, it’s always better to talk things over with your dentist.