In dentistry, we are looking to ensure our patients have healthy and strong teeth that allow them to eat, smile and talk confidently. For many individuals, this is a challenge and leads them to look for the best options for replacement teeth. While we are always looking to preserve a patient’s natural teeth, we often run into situations where a dentist must remove and replace a damaged tooth.
In these cases, your provider will help to determine the best tooth replacement options. Depending on your situation, you may have to consult with multiple specialists such as, your general dentist, a prosthodontist who specializes in tooth restoration and replacement, an oral surgeon, or a periodontist who treats gum disease.
Everyone’s best option is different based on your unique situation, budget, and overall dental health. Often, the process of restoration and replacement begins with your general dentist.
Dental implants are a popular option for replacing a single tooth, a few teeth, or even a full set. Implants create a strong foundation for fixed or removable teeth, made to match your natural teeth by replacing tooth roots with titanium posts and securing the replacement teeth in place.
Typically, implants require the following three steps:
Sometimes a dentist can perform the steps in one visit, and in other cases, this process takes a series of visits to complete.
Used to fill gaps in your smile, a dental bridge is held in place by abutment teeth on either side of the gap. While a traditional bridge uses dental crowns on the abutment teeth, this bridge uses a framework of either metal or porcelain that is bonded to the backs of the abutment teeth. This type of bridge can only be used when you have a natural tooth on either side of the gap.
Traditional dentures are bulkier and can cause bone shrinkage and deterioration of the muscle tissue. Over time, the denture can become looser making it more difficult to talk and eat. Oral hygiene is easy to maintain with the traditional denture, and the denture is affordable, but you will have to limit your diet and avoid fruits and vegetables.
Implant-supported dentures are sturdier than traditional dentures because they use implants for retention rather than adhesive to stay in place. The support of the implant allows the dental fixture to be shaped into a horseshoe, reducing the bulkiness and opening the palate to create more space for the tongue and better ability to taste food. Implant-supported dentures are sturdier and do not require adhesive.
Sometimes referred to as an implant bridge, or all-on-four, the full-arch dental implant is less likely to become loose over time and is fixed. It preserves the bone and muscle tone and allows for confident eating and talking. Full-arch dental implants are the closest tooth replacement option to natural teeth and are also the least bulky option.