As we grow old, our chances of losing a tooth become higher as well. Once a person reaches 35 and above, he will most likely lose seven or more teeth. Losing one or two teeth could take a toll on one’s self-confidence. It will also affect their chewing and biting habits as well as the appearance of the smile. Over time, missing teeth will also result in misalignment. Luckily, due to the advancements in dental technology, dental options for missing teeth are now more accessible. It’s essential to maintain your teeth healthy to prevent tooth loss at an early age. You can visit your local dental clinic that offers quality tooth replacement services.
Reasons for Missing Teeth
Losing a tooth can be one of the most devastating things to experience as an adult. This is when you are trying to reach your career goals and strive hard for your dreams. Before we discuss the different tooth replacement options, let us first find out why our natural teeth fall off:
- Bad eating habits. Definitely, everything we eat and drink has a huge impact on our dental health. Foods that are high in starch and sugar can contribute to immediate tooth decay.
- Poor oral care. Neglected oral hygiene is the leading cause of gum disease. And when gum disease is untreated, it could lead to serious conditions, including tooth loss.
- Traumatic dental injuries. Car accidents, sports injuries, and falls are also the top causes of tooth loss. These events could significantly affect the dental structure of an individual.
- Harmful habits. Some of the harmful habits that could result in tooth loss are smoking and teeth grinding. Grinding causes the teeth to be worn down, while smoking promotes periodontal disease.
- Overall health problems. Our dental health has a huge connection with the health of our whole body. For instance, patients with type 2 diabetes are also commonly diagnosed with cavities and oral health problems.
Options For Replacing Missing Teeth
The good news is that dentists are offering multiple options to replace missing teeth. From removable partial dentures to dental implants, dental professionals can provide affordable and viable solutions for missing teeth.
Dental implant
A dental implant is a solution to replace the root of the missing tooth. It helps prevent misalignment and keeps the surrounding teeth in place. Its main job is to provide support for the crown (connected by an abutment), which will serve as the tooth replacement. Dental implants are placed into the jawbone and are permanent. It would require a surgical procedure and the healing period take several months. However, the benefits that it carries are astounding.
All-on-four implant-supported dentures
Full arch lower denture requires all-on-four implants for steady support. This treatment uses four dental implants, two are placed on the front part of the mouth arch, and the other two are positioned on their sides facing the back of the mouth. One of its great benefits is that it is a strong and durable replacement option for missing teeth.
Implant-supported fixed bridge
Replacing a single tooth with dental implants could be expensive. An implant-supported fixed bridge is the best tooth-replacement option if you have several missing teeth. The number of implants placed in the jawbone will depend on how many missing teeth need to be restored. The great thing about this solution is that it provides restoration that looks just like the natural tooth.
Removable partial denture
Some people opt for removable partial dentures. This teeth restoration solution replaces one or more teeth located in the same arch and is not adjacent to one another. It is held in place by a metal clasp which allows easy removal. In comparison with dental implants, this solution is much affordable.
Removable complete denture
If you are looking for a non-invasive and cheaper option to restore your smile, a removable complete dentures at Port Macquarie Dental Centre is the one for you. It is rested on the top of the mouth and is made of acrylic with the same color as the gums. Attached to it are the denture teeth that will give you the ability to chew freely. Without a doubt, this removable fixture can bring back your natural smile at a low cost.
Tooth-supported fixed bridge.
Another tooth replacement option that’s getting popular nowadays is a tooth-supported fixed bridge. This is commonly used to replace a missing single tooth. The procedure is simple, a tooth-supported fixed bridge consisting of two crowns will be fitted to the teeth to fill in the gap. This option will look and feel like natural teeth as they can be brushed and flossed as well.
Dental flipper
A dental flipper is an independent and temporary partial denture that can be locked and removed through its flippers. It does not contain any metal clasps and is relatively inexpensive than other options. However, it can be uncomfortable to wear due to its bulky structure.
References:
8 Best Tooth Replacement Options For Missing Teeth (https://www.dentalimplantcostguide.com/tooth-replacement-options/)
Top Five Causes of Tooth Loss in Adults (https://www.nsoms.co.nz/top-five-causes-of-tooth-loss-in-adults/)
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