Replacing Missing Teeth

Your teeth affect your whole body. When your teeth are healthy, you are healthier as well. A missing tooth can affect your bite, your speech and your eating choices.  As you begin to rely more on your remaining teeth, you increase the chance that they will wear out prematurely, become damaged or lost. You may also experience headaches and/or jaw pain.

The natural consequence of missing teeth is that the jaw literally melts away.   You will typically lose about 25% of the supporting jawbone structure within the first year after tooth loss. Dental implants are more easily placed when teeth are first extracted because bone replacement becomes more complex as time passes.  The great news is that implants act just like your natural teeth.  Implants safeguard and preserve your bone structure, oral health and appearance.  Your dentist and the oral surgeon will provide you with options so that you can make the most informed decision concerning tooth replacement.

Tooth Replacement Options

You can select from a number of different options to replace your missing teeth – from temporary to long-lasting solutions.

A good candidate for an implant is anyone who is missing one or more teeth, or who is unhappy with their dentures. Age is not a factor. However, smoking, and diseases such as diabetes, and radiation therapy to the area, have been shown to lower the success rate of implant placement. X-rays of your jaw will be taken to evaluate whether they will accommodate implants.  Detailed x-rays may also be required to determine if other tests or procedures are needed to place implants properly.

An example of a dental fixed bridge

Fixed Bridge

A fixed bridge is a connected set of replacement teeth. For support, it is cemented into position on top of the teeth adjacent to the empty space. The protective outer layer of these teeth is usually removed or ground down prior to attaching the bridge.

A sample of a removable retainer with a plastic tooth known as a flipper

Flipper

A fragile, temporary and inexpensive solution is a removable plastic tooth with a plastic retainer, often called a “flipper”.

A depiction of a sturdy partial denture cast in metal and plastic

Metal Partial

A less fragile option is a removable partial denture cast in metal and plastic. It is held in place by wire clips. A removable partial denture can be removed and reinserted when required by the patient.

A representation of a full denture for the entire lower jaw

Denture

The most common solution for people missing all teeth in one or both jaws, is a set of complete dentures. Some people adapt well to dentures. Others find them uncomfortable, even intolerable, because of differences in jaw size and shape.

A visual of a permanent dental implant to replace missing teeth

Dental Implants

Dental implants are the most comfortable and permanent solution. They form a strong foundation for teeth and keep the jaw healthy and strong. Implants support individual replacement teeth or secure specialized dentures in place. Unlike bridges, no healthy teeth are damaged. And, unlike most bridges, implants can last a lifetime. Implant-supported replacement teeth can be attractive, stable, and comfortable for almost any patient.

Why Select Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types Of Restorations?

A dental bridge can sacrifice the structure of surrounding teeth to bridge the space of the missing tooth or teeth. Removing a denture or a “partial” at night may be inconvenient.  In addition, dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and rather embarrassing.