RESTORATION OPTIONS FOR A MISSING TOOTH

The value of healthy teeth often does not register to most people until the teeth are lost. Losing a tooth can cause significant discomfort and change your interactions by affecting self-confidence. It can also result in other problems such as misalignment that are more challenging to fix in the future. Other issues that can come up include the inability to chew food thoroughly, decreased jawbone integrity, and speech challenges. Those problems are likely to manifest whether you lose a single tooth or multiple teeth. That is why restoration options are essential. You need to know the available options to ensure you choose the most suitable one to replace your missing tooth and regain your radiant smile.

Removable Partial Dentures

Underline

Removable partial dentures offer a lot of flexibility while regaining the lost functionality of your missing teeth. They are similar to dental implants but are better for most people. However, they are more suitable for patients who have lost a few teeth. People who have lost all their teeth should use complete dentures. If the partial dentures are clasped in place correctly, they can remain in position for as long as you need them to, giving the same appearance as natural teeth.

Tooth-Supported Bridges

 

As the name suggests, a dental bridge uses the existing teeth to stabilize the bridge instead of positioning two implants into your teeth. The dentist places a crown on the teeth adjacent to the missing teeth to ensure it stays in place. The entire procedure requires a few visits to the clinic.

Pros

  • The process does not require any surgical intervention, making it a less invasive solution
  • The tooth-supported bridge appears as realistic as a dental implant. You can smile confidently in public.
  • Tooth-supported bridges are more affordable than dental implants.

Cons

  • Bridges are harder to clean properly because food remnants can stick under them. That means the chances of infection are higher and can lead to bone loss.
  • Although neighboring teeth can provide support, they must be filed to size to suit the bridge placement. As a result, they are more susceptible to infections in the future.
  • Poor fitting of bridges can damage the adjacent teeth.
Tooth-Supported Bridges

BRIDGES

BRIDGES CAN BE IMPLANT-SUPPORTED OR TOOTH-SUPPORTED.

Implant-Supported Bridge

If you lose several teeth in a row, implant-supported bridges can be the solution. They save time and are a better alternative to dental implants, which are more complicated to install because each implant must go into the space left by each tooth. With implant-supported bridges, only the teeth on each end require securing with implants. The teeth in the middle can retain their position without any additional support. That makes installation easier and saves time.

Pros

  • It is hard to distinguish the bridges from natural teeth
  • The procedure is a more affordable restoration option for people without several teeth in a row
  • The bridges function as effectively as dental implants

Cons

  • Implant-supported bridges are a temporary solution. They require replacement after some time.
  • They only work effectively if multiple teeth are missing in a row.
  • The placement of implant-supported bridges is not possible in a single visit to the clinic. You must schedule and keep several appointments.
Implant-Supported Bridge

Flipper

The flipper gets its name from its ability to move in and out of its position. The temporary partial denture does not require attachment to adjacent teeth or metal clasps. It attaches to the palate or lower jaw depending on where the teeth are missing. It is easy to remove and wear, with the same smile transformation as other restoration options.

Pros

  • The flipper is flexible, making it the most painless solution for missing teeth. It is also affordable.
  • It is perfect as a temporary solution. You can use the flipper as you plan to get a more permanent alternative.
  • It is lighter and better than partial dentures.

Cons

  • It has a bulky design that makes it vulnerable to breaking
  • A flipper may be uncomfortable to some people
same smile transformation as other restoration options

Implants

Dental implants are the most popular restoration solution for most people. Their reliability and natural resemblance to real teeth make them suitable for replacing missing teeth. They feel like natural teeth and are ideal for people with a single missing tooth or multiple teeth on different sections.
The longevity of dental implants is another reason they are preferable for most people. However, that depends on how well you care for them. Placement of dental implants typically takes longer than other procedures. First, the dentist installs metal screws to replace roots and serve as an anchor for the implants. It takes a few months for the screws to infuse with the bones to ensure the implant remains steadily in place. You will have to wait for that healing process to complete before the dentist can fit a dental crown on top.

Pros

  • Dental implants offer unmatched effectiveness. They are the best replacement for a single missing tooth.
  • They look and feel natural, meaning you can continue with regular activities like chewing and talking comfortably after healing.
  • Installation does not affect neighboring teeth.
  • The implants are permanent – they can last a lifetime with proper care.

Cons

  • The process is very invasive because the screws must be attached to the jawbone. It also takes longer to heal, making the site more vulnerable to infections.
  • Dental implants are expensive – a single implant costs thousands of dollars.

Whether you lose your teeth because of decay, accident or trauma, gum disease, or any other reason, the above options can help you regain the functionality of your teeth and smile. The experts at Molson Park Dental Clinic in Barrie are readily available to weigh each of them in-depth to ensure you choose the best one. Our professionals are passionate about bringing back smiles and improving dental health in general. We can guide you through restorative processes after factoring in your budget and other relevant considerations. Our friendly and professional team can give you more answers if you have questions about solutions for missing teeth and other dental problems. Feel free to call us.

Dental implants

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