Three Tooth Replacement Options

The average American over the age of 50 may have lost up to 12 permanent teeth. These teeth may be missing due to damage, gum disease, or decay. Those who have missing teeth may suffer from self-consciousness, the inability to eat certain foods, or speech difficulties. In past generations, people who lost teeth had few options. However, current dental technologies give patients many ways to replace missing teeth with prosthetics that look and operate as well as or better than the patient’s natural teeth. From dentures to dental implants, you have options.

Dentures

All the way back to the time of George Washington, medical professionals have made dentures for people who lost many (or all) of their teeth. Dentures are removable, artificial teeth attached to a plastic base that fits onto the gums. Dentures may replace all the teeth, for a full set of dentures, or just a few of them, known as a partial denture set.  The dentures must be removed each day and cleaned with special cleaners.

Depending on the state of your teeth, getting dentures can be invasive and require multiple trips to the dentist. First, your dentist will evaluate the status of your existing teeth. Sometimes teeth will need to be pulled, filled, or crowned before the dentures can be created. Your dentist will make an impression of your mouth to ensure that your dentures fit properly. Dentures are custom-made to each person’s mouth so they fit correctly and match any teeth still in your mouth. After the dentures arrive at the dentist, you will need to come into the office and have them fitted correctly. If there are any problems, you may need multiple fittings. Your dentist will want the dentures to fit as comfortably as possible, so you should be very honest about any discomfort or other issues.

Bridges

If you’re only missing a few teeth, consider a bridge. A bridge is an artificial tooth or set of teeth affixed to a metal frame. The frame is permanently attached to the surrounding teeth. Your teeth must be prepped for this process so prepare for several visits to the dentist. Once the bridge is in place, it acts just like your natural teeth. There is no need to remove the bridge for cleaning and, if your dentist did a good job of matching the size, shape and color of your existing teeth, other people may never notice that you have an artificial tooth.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are good options for people missing one or two teeth or several. However, implants mimic the look, feel, and maintenance requirements of one’s natural teeth. Dental implants require a surgical procedure where a dentist implants a titanium screw into the jaw of the patient. The tip of the screw protrudes above the gum-line, and the screw acts as a tooth root in your mouth. After a few weeks, as you heal from the surgery, your jawbone will grow around the titanium screw, providing a firm anchor for the artificial tooth. At the final appointment, your dentist will attach a durable artificial tooth to the screw. You’ll care for your dental implant in exactly the same way that you take care of the rest of your teeth. Dental implants are so reliable that dentists often use them as a base for bridges to replace other missing teeth.

Conclusion

There is no need to suffer the embarrassment and discomfort of missing or badly decaying teeth. Whether you need full or partial dentures, a bridge, or dental implants in Phoenix, you have more options than ever. A knowledgeable and compassionate dentist can evaluate your dental needs and recommend a course of action that works for you. At Dental Brothers, we give you options that you can afford without trying to pressure you into an expensive procedure. Make an appointment today, and it won’t be long before you have the smile that you have always wanted.