Many people do not take their teeth or oral healthcare seriously and end up having severe problems in the long run. Without one or several teeth simple tasks like talking and chewing food can become a chore, so why even take the risk? However, if you are beyond doing what is necessary to maintain your oral health and have lost several teeth, you already know what you are missing out on. Fortunately, all is not lost; you can still fix your problem by looking into tooth replacement options.

This blog will highlight the best options that are now made possible due to dental advancements. To learn more, read on.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are among the most popular and effective tooth replacement options that look and feel like natural teeth. They are a permanent option if you need to replace a single tooth or many teeth in various regions of the mandible. If properly cared for, dental implants may last a lifetime.

The procedure for installing a dental implant is time-consuming. It starts with the root of your tooth being replaced by metal screws, which will serve as an anchor for the replacement teeth. After the screws are in place, you must wait a few months for the initial implant to heal. During this time, the implant will become firmly bonded to your jawbone. A dental crown will be placed on the implant when it has recovered fully.

Pros

• They are one of the most successful ways to replace teeth that have been lost.
• They have a natural appearance and feel to them.
• Because your neighboring teeth are not involved, your adjacent teeth are unaffected.
• They are a permanent replacement solution that does not need to be checked regularly.

Cons

• Not an option for everyone. Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes and advanced gum disease can increase the risk of implant failure
• The implant has to be screwed into the jawbone, which necessitates extensive surgery and a lengthy recovery period

Bridges Supported by Implants

A bridge supported by implants is one of the best option for numerous lost teeth in a row.

Pros

• A cost-effective option for restoring many lost teeth in a row.
• The bridge is just as effective as a dental implant.

Cons

• They can only be used in limited situations, such as when numerous teeth in a row are missing.
• The placement of bridges supported by implants requires many dental appointments.

Bridges Supported by Tooth

Instead of inserting two implants in your teeth, this tooth replacement option utilizes your existing teeth to support the bridge. A crown is cemented into place on the teeth close to the lost ones. The technique takes a few visits to complete.

Pros

• Bridges supported by teeth have the same natural appearance as your own teeth.
• Because surgery is not necessary, the procedure is less intrusive.
• Compared to dental implants, bridges supported by teeth are a more cost-effective solution.

Cons

• The surrounding teeth getting crowns will need to be filed down to the proper size for the crown to fit, increasing the risk of infection in the future.
• If the bridge is not placed correctly, the adjacent teeth can get damaged over time.
• Food particles may become trapped under the bridge and become difficult to clean, putting you at risk of infection and bone loss if you aren’t cautious.

Removable Partial Dentures

Removable partial dentures, are an inexpensive way to replace lost teeth. Removable partial dentures are recommended for those with a few missing teeth instead of a complete set of dentures. Removable partial dentures are clasped into place, ensuring that the replacement teeth are held in place at the right spots.

Pros

• If any teeth are lost in the future, more teeth may be inserted straight into the partial denture, saving you time and money.
• Removable partial dentures are cost-effective temporary tooth replacement solution.
• If necessary, partial dentures are simple to repair and replace.
• Partial dentures are straightforward to use and require nothing more than metal clasps.

Cons

• Partial dentures may be a pain to wear.
• Every day, the dentures must be taken out and cleaned. Before sleeping, dentures need to be taken out always.
• Because the metal clasps on partial dentures are visible, they do not blend in or seem as natural as dental implants.
• They are not a permanent solution and should be replaced with a amore final restoration like an implant or a bridge

Flipper

A flipper is a temporary partial removable denture that sits on the jaw and has a tooth attached to it. It flips in and out of place, hence the name. There are no metal clasps on the flipper, and it is made of acrylic material. It is made by first taking an impression and then sending it to the lab to create the flipper and the prosthetic teeth that sit on it.

Pros

• Replacing a lost tooth with a flipper is a reasonably inexpensive and painless procedure.
• When compared to a partial denture, a flipper is substantially lighter.
• Provides a temporary tooth replacement solution until a more permanent one can be found.

Cons

• The flipper might be a pain to wear.
• Because a flipper is designed to be a temporary solution, its bulky shape increases the risk of breaking.
• It has to be replaced by a more permanent option like an imp0lant or a bridge

Whether the tooth was lost due to decay, gum disease, or an accident, there are several good tooth replacement options you can look into. Each option has its pros and cons, so a visit to a dental professional is a must. They will guide you appropriately, and you can make an informed decision based on your requirements and budget. At Anderson Lake Dental, we ensure you find the right option for your missing teeth.

Remember, missing teeth should not prevent you from living your life to the fullest. So, make the most of what dental advancements have to offer to live a happy life without having to feel ashamed about smiling in public ever again!

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