Tooth replacement is essential because gaps in the smile can cause problems with alignment and bone loss. Plenty of alternatives exist for replacing lost teeth, but four really stick out. Find out what the most common choices are and go with the one that best suits your needs.
Common choices for Tooth Replacement
A dental Implant
In cases where only a single tooth needs to be replaced, dental implants tend to be the treatment of choice. Dental implants are artificial roots that dentists surgically place in the jaw. As new bone forms around the implant, it will feel much like a real tooth. With proper care, implants can endure for many years, if not decades.
Part of the process is getting the implant. After the implant is positioned, the dentist will secure a bridge, crown, or denture to it. As they mimic the appearance and feel of real teeth, crowns are a popular option.
You can read more : Dental Implants: Procedure, Cost, And More
Fixed Dental Bridge
A fixed bridge is a common option for patients who require many tooth replacements. It fills in the gaps left by missing teeth, just as its name implies. A dental bridge is a long-term fix since the dentist uses bond or cement to secure it.
The dentist needs to prepare the teeth on either side of the space. After that, a mold is created and the bridge is completed. A pontic and crown are set atop the bridge. The pontic replaces the lost tooth and fills in the space left by the lost tooth; the crown is secured over it.
Partially Removable Dental Bridge
The convenience of being able to take out and clean a removable partial denture is appealing to some patients. The standard components of these dentures include a clasp, new teeth, and a base made of gum-colored plastic.
Prior to denture fittings, patients must undergo examinations by dentists. Dentists often find out during exams whether a patient needs crowns before dentures can be made. The fit of the dentures can be improved with the correct positioning of the crowns.
A Removable Denture
Complete dentures that are removable may be the best option for people with extensive tooth loss. Any number of teeth, or even all of them, can be replaced with these dentures. The patient’s speech and eating are both improved with removable full dentures.
Preparation is necessary for those who opt for full dentures. If there are bone ridges that could make dentures unstable, oral surgery may be necessary to correct them. Additionally, prior to receiving dentures, some patients must undergo tooth extractions.
The dentist will take impressions of the mouth and send them to the lab once they are ready. The next step is for the patient to return for a fitting once the dentures have arrived.
Conclusion
You can replace missing teeth with dental implants, fixed bridges, removable partial dentures, or complete dentures that you remove and replace. To find out which one is best for your mouth, talk to a dentist about your alternatives. Before you choose a solution, your dentist will go over the necessary preparations for each option.
