What Are My Options To Replace A Tooth?

Your dentist's goal will always be to save a tooth, but sometimes an extraction is the only way to preserve the health of the remaining teeth. Tooth loss can be an incredibly frustrating experience. Missing one or more teeth can make speaking and eating difficult and make your smile look less attractive. It may be tempting to ignore the problem, but this can lead to more serious dental issues, such as:

Common Options for Replacing Teeth

Bone loss in the jaw: Jaw bone atrophy is one of the most devastating effects of tooth loss. The force of chewing helps to keep the bone strong and dense. Without this regular stimulation, the bone that once supported the tooth begins to deteriorate. Significant bone loss can alter the shape of your face and cause wrinkles around the mouth
Gum Recession: Progressive loss of gum tissue occurs after losing a tooth because there is no structure for the gum line to support. When the gum recedes, the bone underneath also wears away.
Teeth Misalignment: If you lose a tooth, the adjacent teeth can shift out of position and cause bite problems. A change in your bite can lead to difficulties with chewing and speaking. Tooth loss can also cause the jaw to change shape, further affecting the bite.

There are many options available today for replacing a tooth or multiple teeth. Each treatment has pros and cons that you must consider before making a decision.

Dental Implants

A dental implant is a screw-like titanium rod surgically implanted into the jawbone to replace the natural tooth's root. Titanium is a strong, durable, and rust-resistant metal used in many prosthetics, such as artificial joints.

Once the metal implant integrates with the jaw bone, a small connector (abutment) is attached. The abutment holds the crown, bridge, or dentures in place. Using dental implants, your dentist can replace a single tooth or an entire set of teeth.

Pros of having Dental Implants

The only permanent solution to tooth loss
Prevent jawbone deterioration
Preserve and support your remaining teeth
Function like natural teeth
Do not require special maintenance other than good oral hygiene
Do not slip or come loose

Cons of Dental Implants

Can be expensive and are not always covered by insurance
May not work on patients who lack enough bone to support the implant
More invasive than regular dentures

Fixed Dental Bridge

A typical bridge is made of a false tooth called a pontic and two or more crowns cemented to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. The adjacent teeth are usually filed down to fit the crowns.

It is considered a more permanent solution than removable dentures, as they are attached to the remaining teeth and cannot be removed by the patient. However, they still require proper care and cleaning, as plaque or tartar can build up on them, just like on natural teeth.

Pros of Fixed Dental Bridge

More comfortable than dentures
Looks like natural teeth
Prevent teeth from shifting toward the gap
Cheaper than dental implants

Cons of Fixed Dental Bridge

Requires removal of healthy tooth structure
Do not preserve the jaw bone like dental implants
Cannot replace an entire arch unless supported by implants

Removable partial or Full Dentures

Dentures are removable replacements for a single or multiple missing teeth. They are custom-made to fit snugly over the gums. Dentures not only improve the way you look but also make it easier to eat and speak.

Removable dentures can either be partial or full. Partial dentures fill in the gaps left by one or more missing teeth. Full dentures replace all teeth and surrounding tissue in the upper and lower jaw.

Pros of Removable Dentures

Inexpensive tooth replacement option
Easy to fabricate and repair
Can help those who are not good candidates for dental implants
Less invasive than other methods
Can replace a full set of teeth

Cons of Removable Dentures

Requires frequent adjustments
Do not preserve the jaw bone
May put pressure and cause trauma to abutment teeth and gums
You must remove them at night to keep your gums healthy
Do not last as long as dental implants

Best Tooth Replacement Option

Cloud Dental offers dental implants as the best option to restore your smile and improve your oral health. An implant provides a strong, stable foundation for artificial teeth. They can last a lifetime with proper care, making them the most cost-effective method for replacing missing teeth. It is the only procedure to date that can prevent the loss of bone in the jaw. Call us today to discuss a tooth replacement option that suits your needs and budget.