There are various things to consider when exploring your missing tooth replacement options. Factors like your budget, how many missing teeth you have, and the location of the missing teeth determine which teeth replacement restoration works best for you.
Some of the different oral prosthetics that can be used to replace missing teeth include dentures, bridges, and implants. There are also several hybrid oral prosthetics like implant-supported dentures.
Getting lost teeth replaced usually starts with a dental consultation. During the appointment, the dentist will go over the patient’s medical history, their budget, and what they want out of their replacement teeth.
The patient’s jaw and teeth are examined to determine which tooth replacement options would be ideal for them. For example, a person with three missing teeth in a row might be better off with a dental bridge instead of replacing all three missing teeth with implants.
Some of the oral prosthetics that might be recommended once a patient has been evaluated by a dentist include:
Implants are metal rods or screws that are inserted into the jawbone to serve as bases for dental restorations like crowns. They are the closest thing to real teeth as far as oral prosthetics are concerned. The implant fuses with tissues around it via osseointegration, making it virtually as stable as a real tooth. Implants are usually made out of titanium, one of the strongest metals ever discovered, and are designed to last a lifetime.
An implant can be used to replace a single tooth, and it can be combined with other prosthetics to replace multiple teeth. For example, implant-supported dentures can be used to replace up to five teeth in a row. The implants are inserted at both ends of the space, and the artificial teeth of the bridge cover up the rest.
The main drawbacks of implants include taking up to six months to complete the treatment and the fact it requires oral surgery. Some people are simply not healthy enough for surgical treatments.
Dentures are the most economical missing teeth replacement option, and they can be used to replace missing teeth in as little as two weeks. Getting dentures is also the least invasive process since it does not require any surgical procedures like implants or altering healthy teeth as is the case with crowns.
Getting dentures usually takes two trips to the clinic. The first visit is used to take an impression of the patient's teeth. The impression goes to a lab where technicians make the patient’s custom dentures. Patients come back for a second appointment once the customized dentures are ready.
Dental bridges are in between implants and dentures in terms of cost. They are more stable in the mouth than dentures, but they do not provide the bone-preserving properties of implants. One of the biggest drawbacks of bridges is making alterations to the teeth closest to the space left by missing teeth. The two teeth closest to the gap are used to anchor down the artificial teeth of the bridge.
Ready to get rid of the hole in your smile? Call or visit our New York clinic to set up an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://newyorkdmd.com or call New York DMD at (917) 284-9680 for an appointment in our New York office.
Many adults will have to deal with at least one missing tooth during their lifetime. Unfortunately, through accidents, gum disease, and other dental problems, missing teeth are more common than you might think. The good news is that there are various options for replacing a tooth today.A lost tooth can make a person self-conscious when…
Looking into your tooth replacement options? Read on to learn more. The cause of the tooth loss makes no difference: The longer you put off restoring your teeth, the worse your missing teeth could make you feel. Tooth loss can affect your health, speech, outlook on life, and self-esteem. Replacing the tooth helps you regain…
If you have a missing tooth, especially one that is hidden from everyone when you speak or smile, you may want to waive it aside. However, a front tooth is visible and gets plenty of attention when you open your mouth. Regardless of the position of the missing tooth, failing to replace it may have…
Replacing your missing tooth protects your dental health while restoring the appearance of your smile. Replacing a lost tooth with an oral prosthetic often starts with a consultation with a dentist. The dentist evaluates the patient’s teeth and gums before recommending missing teeth replacement options that are best suited for them.Consulting with a dentist about…
Many adults will have to deal with at least one missing tooth during their lifetime. Unfortunately, through accidents, gum disease, and other dental problems, missing teeth are more common than you might think. The good news is that there are various options for replacing a tooth today.A lost tooth can make a person self-conscious when…
One of the most popular ways to achieve a perfect smile is through a smile makeover with veneers. Veneers, also known as laminates, are one of the most popular treatments for smile makeovers and can be used for misaligned, cracked, or discolored teeth.Smile makeovers are a popular cosmetic dental treatment that completely transforms your smile.…