What Are My Options for Replacing Missing Teeth?

If you have missing teeth, you probably already know how inconvenient things can get. Fortunately, there are options to restore the missing teeth, allowing patients to get back the feel, function, and appearance of their natural teeth. When visiting a dental office, the dentist will perform the necessary examinations and recommend the most appropriate option.

Teeth replacement options

The following are some of the options available for replacing missing teeth:

Removable partial denture

A removable partial denture can replace one or several teeth. The denture may be fitted with metal clasps to hold it in position inside the mouth. With this option, the dentist will not need to file down or prepare existing teeth for the tooth replacement, which makes the procedure conservative and economical. The drawback of this option is that the clasps used for holding the piece may be visible. Also, a partial denture may move when speaking or eating, which can be inconvenient.

Sometimes, the removable partial may be provided as a temporary option while the patient is waiting to get a bridge or implant. This option is usually called a “flipper” because they can be slipped in and out easily. If the entire arch of teeth on a jaw is lost, the dentist may recommend full dentures.

Dental bridge

A bridge might be considered if the patient has teeth on both sides of the gap. A bridge is a fixed option that stays permanently in the mouth and is not removable, except by the dentist. The procedure requires scraping the enamel layer of the teeth that will support the replacement tooth. These teeth (called abutments) will get dental crowns.

The drawback of using bridges is that healthy teeth need to be cut down for the process to work. Also, bridges on the lower jaw may not be highly durable as the jaw flexes and the fixed bridge may bend out of shape. If the abutment teeth need crowns anyway, though, it is an effective way to solve two problems with one procedure. If the adjacent teeth are healthy and strong, they can support more than one missing tooth.

Dental implants

An implant is an excellent way to restore missing teeth. This option provides a feel and function that nearly matches the natural teeth when brushing or eating. Considering that the implant replaces the root of the lost tooth and fuses with the jawbone, its appearance and functionality far exceed that of other tooth replacement options.

After the implant is placed, it will need a few months to heal before the dentist fits the abutment and the dental crown. The major benefit is that no other tooth is affected by dental implant placement. The implant is an excellent solution for one missing tooth, but multiple implants can also be used to replace several teeth. It is hard to distinguish a dental implant restoration from the natural tooth.

In conclusion

It is important to replace missing teeth as soon as possible to prevent potential oral issues such as bite misalignment and bone resorption. To get started, book an appointment with the dentist for a consultation.

Request an appointment here: https://frankforddentalcare.com or call Frankford Dental Care at (215) 302-1746 for an appointment in our Philadelphia office.

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