Tooth loss is often associated with older adults. But younger people can lose their teeth, too. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, nearly 178 million people have at least one missing tooth, with almost 40 million missing all of them. And 30% of adults 65 and older have lost all their natural teeth. The reason for missing teeth ranges from poor oral hygiene to periodontal disease. Either of these conditions can cause one or several teeth to fall out. What can you do to replace them? Here are four options to replace one or more missing teeth.
Dental Bridge
A dental bridge is supported with adjacent existing teeth. Your tooth is prepared, and a crown is placed on the natural teeth next to the missing one. This procedure takes a few appointments to complete.
Removable Partial Denture
A removable partial denture replaces your missing teeth without removing your existing ones. It’s a custom device made from pink acrylic or nylon that mimics your gum tissue and creates support for the denture. The teeth attach to the material and fill in the spaces of your missing teeth, sometimes requiring clasps to hold it in place.
Removable Complete Denture
Unlike partial dentures, a complete denture replaces an entire arch or missing teeth. Over time, they may begin fitting improperly because of the changes in your jawbone shape. The dentist can adjust or refine your dentures to accommodate these changes. You may need to wear adhesives to keep the dentures in your mouth.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are made from titanium and fuse with your natural bone, making them a durable replacement for option. It replaces your tooth’s root and can support a dental bridge, crown, or denture after the site is completely healed.
It’s important to note that only some patients are candidates for implants. You must have enough bone structure to support the metal post.
Implant Crowns and Bridges
The dentist may suggest an implant crown or bridge to replace your missing teeth. If you are missing one tooth, a single crown is ideal in the front or back of your mouth. An implant-supported bridge is suitable for replacing several teeth with one restoration. However, the number of implants needed to support the bridge depends on how many teeth are missing.
Implant-Supported Permanent Dentures
An implant-supported denture is supported by several implants. Unlike removable dentures supported by your gums, implant dentures connect to implants to provide more stability. The process of getting a permanent denture happens in two phases.
First, an implant specialist surgically places implants into your jaw. They will insert a minimum of two metal posts. Then, a custom denture gets made to attach to the implants.
Implant-Supported Removable Dentures
This type of denture is ideal for patients with multiple missing teeth who want to make the cost more manageable by limiting the number of implants. The implants act as an anchor when you insert the dentures, but they remain in the mouth after removing the appliance.
Find a Solution for Your Missing Teeth
Schedule your free consultation with Scottsdale Dental and Facial Aesthetics to learn more about your options for replacing your missing teeth.
