By Jessica Dean, DDS, Associates in Dentistry
There are many ways a tooth can be lost: tooth decay, gum disease, traumatic injury, or systemic disease–such as oral cancer. Having a missing tooth can really affect your day-to-day life. Patients report difficulty chewing, talking, and even smiling. Replacing missing teeth should be considered when your quality of life is being affected. In addition, having a missing tooth can affect the health of your remaining teeth, as teeth can move and become crooked, or bone can be lost. There are three main ways to replace missing teeth: partial denture, bridge, and implant. Each replacement option has specific parameters that enable replacement; your dentist will help guide you to which options are appropriate for your mouth. This article is an overview of each option to help you decide which is right for you.
Removable Partial Denture
A removable partial denture is an appliance that replaces all teeth in either the upper or lower jaw using clasps that hug your existing healthy teeth. It is an appliance that you clip in your mouth in the morning and remove in the evening. You smile, talk, and eat with it throughout the day. After meals, you have to remove it to rinse it, as food often gets stuck on the appliance. At night, you remove it and lightly brush it with a soft bristle toothbrush and let it soak overnight in water. When you first start wearing your partial, it can feel like a mouthful. You should expect to see the dentist a few times for adjustments to eliminate sore spots. After a few weeks of practice and adjustments, it will become second nature to use your partial denture. A partial may be the option for you if you: have healthy teeth around the area of a missing tooth, prefer a less expensive treatment, have a minimal gag reflex, and would be willing to remove false teeth in the evening.
Bridge
A bridge is commonly used to replace one or two teeth in a row. A bridge is a cemented unit that uses teeth neighboring either side of the space to suspend a fake tooth. You do not take this appliance in and out of your mouth, which is what people prefer about this treatment. It feels more like a natural tooth than a partial denture does. However, it does require teeth on either side of the space to be prepared for crowns. Also, if anything happens to any of the supporting teeth of the bridge, you are then faced with the problem of missing multiple teeth, instead of just one tooth. It is very important to brush and floss the bridge unit once it is cemented into place. A bridge may be the option for you if you: want something that is cemented into place, have healthy teeth on either side of the space, or if you are unable to get surgical implants placed.
Implants
An implant feels most like your natural tooth, and is the longest lasting option. It is an artificial root placed up into the bone. After a healing period of about 12 weeks, a crown is attached onto the artificial root. The process involves seeing an oral surgeon for placement of the implant and a general dentist to create and attach the crown. This option is about the same price as a bridge; however, the neighboring teeth do not have to be drilled. An implant requires the same maintenance as your natural teeth. You will still need to brush and floss twice daily and see your hygienist every six months for cleanings. An implant may be the choice for you if you: want teeth that are fixed in place, do not have strong teeth neighboring your missing tooth, do not want your strong teeth to be drilled for a bridge, and are willing to undergo outpatient surgery.
If you want to replace your missing teeth, talk to your general dentist about which of these options is best for your mouth. You may be a candidate for one or more of the treatments, depending on the circumstances. Gaining confidence while smiling, talking, and eating is a worthy pursuit.
For further information regarding dental procedures, visit us at www.associatesindentistry.com for links to trusted, professional dental sources. We have locations in Canton, Elmwood, Washington, Peoria, and Bartonville. Associates in Dentistry is ready to serve you and your family. Convenient weekend and evening appointments are available.
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