When you've lost a tooth, you'll be faced with several options for having it replaced. Every person's dental structure is slightly different. Depending on the circumstances and damage, your dentist might recommend specific solutions. But for most people, having a tooth replaced comes down to one of the following options.
This involves attaching an artificial tooth or crown to a dental appliance that's fastened to both of the surrounding teeth. This might be done with traditional amalgams or modern resins. However, it often involves shaping the anchor teeth, which means grinding away parts of healthy teeth.
Since there's no support in the gum or jawbone where the tooth is missing, it can eventually lead to deterioration of tissues and misalignment of teeth. Bridges differ from partial dentures in that they're intended to be permanent.
Often used where there's more than one tooth missing, these partials are fitted to your gum and are removable for cleaning. Dentures of any kind are usually made of plastics surrounding a metal base, and the artificial teeth from hard acrylics. They are not particularly comfortable and may come loose when eating or speaking. Like bridges, they offer no support for the jawbone and tissues underneath.
Dentures are a full row of artificial teeth covering the jaw. Molds of your gums and remaining teeth are made to ensure a snug fit. They provide greater stability than partials, but dentures are also known to come loose, and can be uncomfortable or embarrassing when they shift position.
This can also affect speech and chewing, or may cause odd clicking noises. The materials used can also change the way your food tastes. Dentures require regular cleaning, and do not support your jaw and gum development much better than partials. Dentures should be replaced every five to seven years.
This solution begins with small titanium posts that are inserted through the gums and into the jawbone where one or more teeth are missing. The bone heals around the implant to keep it firmly in place. A replacement tooth is then secured to the posts. This provides a stronger anchor so that chewing or other activities are not a problem. This treatment, available from places like Oral Surgery Associates Inc, look and feel more natural than the other options.
The choice may depend on your teeth and your dental insurance. However, an experienced dentist can help you decide on the best option for your situation.
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