Missing teeth can affect more than just your appearance. They can impact your ability to chew properly, speak clearly, and maintain oral health. Over time, gaps in your smile may cause surrounding teeth to shift, bone loss in the jaw, and changes in facial structure. Thankfully, modern dentistry offers several effective treatment options for replacing missing teeth, each with its own benefits depending on your specific needs and oral health status.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are widely regarded as the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. This treatment involves surgically placing a titanium post into the jawbone, which acts as a replacement root. Your body then undergoes a healing period where the bone fuses with the implant (a process called osseointegration). Afterward, your dentist attaches a custom-made crown to the post. The result is often a natural-looking and highly functional tooth.
Implants are popular because they often look, feel, and function like natural teeth. They also help prevent bone loss in the jaw, which often occurs after tooth loss. With proper care, dental implants could last a lifetime, making them a long-term investment in your oral health. However, not everyone is a candidate for implants. Sufficient bone density is required, and those with certain health conditions may not be suitable without additional procedures like bone grafting.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is another common option for replacing one or more missing teeth. This solution involves creating a false tooth (or teeth) that is anchored in place by attaching it to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. These adjacent teeth, known as abutment teeth, are typically crowned to provide support for the bridge.
Bridges can be a great option when implants are not viable due to medical or financial reasons. They could restore function and aesthetics, allowing patients to eat and speak more comfortably. However, bridges do not address the issue of bone loss beneath the missing tooth, as they do not stimulate the jawbone in the same way implants do. Additionally, preparing the surrounding teeth for crowns involves altering healthy tooth structure, which may not be ideal for everyone.
Dentures
Dentures are removable prosthetic devices that replace multiple missing teeth or an entire arch. They come in full or partial varieties, depending on how many teeth need to be replaced. Partial dentures rest on a metal framework and attach to remaining natural teeth, while full dentures rest directly on the gums.
Modern dentures are more comfortable and realistic than ever before, thanks to advances in materials and design. They offer an affordable solution for those who have lost several or all of their teeth and may not be candidates for implants. However, they can take time to get used to and may require adjustments over time. Because they are not fixed in place, dentures can sometimes shift while eating or speaking, and they do not prevent jawbone deterioration.
Implant-Supported Dentures
For patients seeking a middle ground between traditional dentures and implants, implant-supported dentures offer a stable and durable solution. This treatment involves placing a few dental implants in the jaw, which then serve as anchors for a full or partial denture. The result is a secure fit that doesn’t slip or move, allowing for more confidence and better function.
Implant-supported dentures offer many of the benefits of dental implants, including jawbone preservation and improved stability, while covering multiple missing teeth at a lower cost than replacing each tooth individually. This option combines the best of both worlds for many patients.
Treatment for Tooth Loss in Desoto, TX
At Howze Dental Group, we understand the importance of a complete bite. If you have missing teeth, your oral and overall health could be at risk. The sooner you seek treatment, the better. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options for tooth loss.