Options for Replacing Missing Teeth

Repairing missing teeth:

The jawbone implants support crowns, bridges, and dentures for natural appearance and durability.

Fixed to natural or implant teeth, dental bridges restore missing teeth.

Removeable dentures replace several lost teeth.

Implant stability and denture ease make implant-supported dentures stable and functional.

When few teeth are missing, clasps or clips join removable partial dentures to normal teeth.

Flipper: A temporary denture until the permanent one arrives.

Available treatments

When considering alternative options for dental replacement, there is a diverse range of remedies that can be taken into account:

Dental implants serve as artificial tooth structures and are secured to the tooth structure through the use of crowns or bridges. These aesthetically appealing and durable prosthetic components are inserted into the mandible via surgical implantation.

Dental bridges are immobile prosthetic devices that employ adjacent teeth or implants as structural support in order to compensate for the absence of teeth.

Dentures are prosthetic teeth that are either entirely or partially removable. They have the capability to substitute for a substantial number of missing teeth.

Implant-Supported Dentures: By virtue of their anchored attachment to the implants, these prostheses combine the benefits of implants with the functionality and stability of dentures.

When only a limited number of teeth are missing, natural teeth are secured with attachments or clasps to removable partial dentures.

A removable flipper functions as a provisional denture during the fabrication process of a permanent replacement.

The optimal decision is contingent upon a multitude of determinants, including but not limited to personal preferences, oral hygiene, bone density, and the number of missing teeth.

“An evaluation will factor in a person’s medical history, the severity of oral health conditions, and how many teeth are missing to decide on the preferred treatment option.”

Durability Comparison of Tooth Replacement Options

Durability in tooth replacement options:

Dental Implants: Long-lasting implants are surgically inserted in the jawbone for stability and function. Proper care can extend their lifespan.

Maintenance and oral care can extend dental bridges’ lifespan to 5–15 years. Quality of materials and oral hygiene can affect their lifespan.

Partial and complete dentures last 5–10 years. How well they’re kept for and jaw structure changes affect their durability.

Implant-Supported Dentures: Combining implant stability with denture convenience, these may last longer than conventional dentures.

Temporary partial dentures and flippers are used while waiting for permanent replacements.

Oral hygiene, lifestyle, dental checkups, and materials affect dental repair lifetime.

“The last thing a patient wants is to return to the office every couple of years for more dental work treating the same issues.”

The Role of Age on Replacing Missing Teeth

Age can affect tooth replacement options:

Due to their durability, dental implants may be better for younger patients. Long-term dental health is possible with implants, which can last a lifetime. Bone growth and development may affect implant implantation timing.

Middle-Aged Patients: Based on their needs, middle-aged patients may choose numerous solutions. Implants’ endurance and stability make them appealing. However, bridges or dentures may work depending on preferences and dental health.

Elderly patients may have additional considerations due to bone density or other health conditions. Dentures or implant-supported dentures can accommodate jaw structural changes and be functional and attractive.

The optimal tooth replacement depends on dental health, bone density, overall health, and personal preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Who is a good candidate for implants?

A. One of the nice things about dental implants is that this option can work well no matter how many missing teeth a person has. It is also a good choice for patients who do not want to worry about another replacement treatment for the next 20 to 25 years.

Q. Are these options for replacing missing teeth painful?

A. Many people have anxiety about dental visits. However, getting a bridge, dentures, or implants does not involve much, if any, pain. Our dentist will give patients a local anesthetic to numb the area. Patients may feel a little soreness for a couple of days and can manage any discomfort with over-the-counter pain medication.

Q. Will insurance cover the replacement treatments?

A. Patients should check with their insurance provider before visiting our office. Some plans may cover part of the procedure, though others will consider the treatments cosmetic. If you are considering financing options, you may also speak with our staff.

Q. Are replacements essential?

A. In some cases, our dentist may be able to salvage severely decayed teeth. However, if a tooth has been completely knocked out, a replacement option may be necessary.

Q. What happens if dentures break?

A. If a patient discovers a crack or a break in the dentures, it is essential to call the dentist immediately. There are home repair kits available, but it is always more effective to contact the dentist. Our office has the right equipment and tools to help repair the apparatus properly.

Q. What can people who wear dentures eat?

A. Patients should start by eating soft foods until they are used to the dentures. From there, the wearers can gradually move onto harder foods. Our dentist can give you advice on which foods might give you trouble.

Dental Implant Terminology

Abutment

An abutment is a component that attaches to the dental implant so a professional can place a dental crown to provide patients with an artificial, aesthetically pleasing and fully-functional smile.

Bone Augmentation

Bone augmentation is the process in which a medical professional rebuilds the bone to strengthen it enough for the placement of dental implants.

Bone Density

Bone density refers to the amount of bone mineral in bone tissue.

Bridge

Multiple replacement teeth that are fixed in place via attachment to dental implants, natural adjacent teeth, or a combination of the two.

Dental Crown

A crown is an artificial tooth, usually consisting of porcelain, which covers the top of the implant to provide people with an aesthetically pleasing and fully-functional tooth.

Dental Implant

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants may be an option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason.

Endosteal (endosseous)

Endosteal is a type of dental implant that a professional places in the alveolar and basal bone of the mandible that transcends only one cortical plate.

Eposteal (subperiosteal)

Eposteal is a type of dental implant that conforms to whichever edentulous surface of an alveolar bone is superior.

Implant-Supported Bridge

An implant-supported bridge is a dental bridge that professionals fix in place with the use of dental implants inserted in the jaw to create a sturdy set of artificial teeth.

Oral Irrigator

An oral irrigator is a type of water-flosser device that uses a stream of water to clean between the teeth and improve gingival health.

Osseointegration

Osseointegration is the process in which a titanium dental implant fuses with the surrounding bone over several months after an oral health professional places the implant in the jaw.

Periodontal

Literally “around the tooth”

Removable Complete Denture

A removable complete denture is a complete denture that people can remove when necessary, at night, or to clean.

Resin Bonded Bridge

A resin bonded bridge is a dental bridge that professionals fix to the surrounding teeth with a type of resin to provide patients with a long-lasting solution.

Resorption

Resorption is the process in which the body absorbs the calcium from the jaw since there are no tooth roots to cause the necessary stimulation and proceeds to use the calcium in other areas.

Ridge Expansion

A ridge expansion involves widening the jaw for more dental implants when there is not enough space for the implants.

Transosteal (transosseous)

Transosteal is a type of dental implant that includes threaded posts which penetrate the superior and inferior cortical bone plates of the jaw.

It Is Time to Start Feeling Confident About Your Appearance

You may be amazed by what a big difference a new smile makes. Our staff is eager to help restore your mouth and looks.

Helpful Related Links

American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2023
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2023
WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2023

About our business and website security

Affinity Family Dental was established in 2022.
We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
We serve patients from the following counties: Shelby County, Hancock County, Decatur County, Johnson County, Rush County, Fayette County, Westmoreland County, Franklin Country, and Ripley County
We serve patients from the following cities: Shelbyville, Fairland, Morristown, New Palestine, Rushville, St Paul, Franklin, Greensburg, Connersville, and Batesville
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