Fill That Gap: 4 Procedures for Tooth Replacement

Most healthy adults are capable of growing 32 adult teeth. Wisdom teeth are the most common type of teeth that need to be removed, which means that the average number of teeth in an adult's mouth should be between 28 to 32. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial states that the average adult has between 22.30 to 26.90 teeth. This means that most adults need some form of tooth replacement. Let's examine four of the most common procedures for tooth replacement.

Bridges

Bridges are one of the most common restorative procedures for replacing a missing tooth. They utilize two or more abutments to relatively stable teeth, and have crowns that replace the missing teeth. This procedure works for the replacement of most teeth, unless there are not enough reliable nearby teeth for the bridge to adhere to. Bridges require neighboring teeth to ensure that they are capable of withstand the normal forces present during chewing. The major benefit of bridges is the fact that they tend to mesh well with other restorations, which includes veneers. They can effectively mesh with these restorations to provide both form and function, which makes them one of the more common procedures used by practices like the Art of Dentistry Institute.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are an alternative to bridges. They can be removed, which in turn makes them more suitable for patients whom may have some form of bone loss. These can be used to replace one or more missing teeth, but it is important to understand that they may not anchor in the mouth, which in turn means that they may require a different type of chewing than some patients may be accustomed to.

Single-Tooth Implants

Single-tooth implants are permanent fixtures within the mouth. They are designed to anchor within the bone of the jaw, which in turn brings a few unique benefits and requirements with the process of installing new implants. A post must be anchored into the bone. If bone loss is present, a graft must be added to the bone to ensure that there is adequate structure for the implant. The post must integrate with the bone before the crown can be added to the top of the post. Implants are designed to last 10 to 25 years, but many patients are able to keep them functioning for the rest of their lives.

Full-Arch Dental Implants

Full-arch implants are similar to single-tooth implants, but they replace an entire arch. They exist as a more viable and permanent alternative to dentures. The main benefit of full-arch implants is the fact that they may not require a bone graft. Bone planing can allow adequate space for the implants to be installed if there is bone loss present. Unlike dentures, full-arch implants are designed to remain adhered to the jaw. This allows patients to normally chew, which in turn makes full-arch implants more reliable than traditional removable dentures.

Some Options Are Better Than Others

It takes an experienced dental care provider to ensure that you have the most accommodating options for replacing any teeth that may be missing from your mouth. This ensures that your comfort will be maximized, and the restoration will last as long as possible.