Missing Teeth? Don't Let the Gap Hold You Back: Exploring Dentures, Implants, and Bridges

Did you know that by age 17, about 7% of Americans have lost at least one permanent tooth? By age 50, most have lost an average of 12 teeth. Among adults ages 65 to 74, 26% have lost all their teeth.

Missing teeth can affect one's self-confidence, oral health, and functionality. Thankfully, there are multiple options for replacing missing teeth.

Which missing teeth solutions best suit your needs? Read on to find out! 

Consequences of Missing Teeth

Neglecting to seek treatment can affect your oral and overall health. The gaps created by a missing tooth give bacteria the chance to breed. When mixed with food particles and saliva, plaque can form.

Plaque is a tacky substance that can coat your teeth and hide behind your gum line. This can lead to tooth decay, causing:

• Sensitivity
• Toothaches
• Pain when chewing
• Holes or pits in your teeth
• Mild to sharp pain when eating/drinking
• Brown, white, or black stains on your teeth

When left untreated, a cavity can compromise your overall health. It could cause a bacterial infection (an abscess) that spreads through your bloodstream. Your mortality rate could increase to 40% if you develop mediastinitis due to an infection.

Meanwhile, your teeth may begin shifting toward the gap in your smile. Shifting teeth can cause bite and speech issues, as well as difficulty chewing, which can lead to digestive issues.

A missing tooth can affect your self-esteem. You may start hiding your smile, reducing natural serotonin production. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that can uplift your mood.

As your teeth shift, you may find it more difficult to brush and floss. Your risk of tooth decay and gum disease will increase, and as gum disease progresses, you could lose even more teeth.

Before that happens, visit your dentist in Christiansburg, VA. They'll help you find the best tooth replacement based on your needs. 

Options to Replace Missing Teeth

A restorative dentist can develop a customized treatment plan to enhance your smile. Here are a few solutions they may recommend for missing teeth. 

Dentures

All-on-four implant-supported dentures are ideal for patients who have lost multiple teeth within the same arch. Your restorative dentist will place four implants to restore your bite force. You'll have two implants near the front of an arch and two in the back.

These implants provide more stability than normal dentures. They won't shift when you eat or speak. While they can be more expensive, they're also more comfortable. 

Your restorative dentist may recommend removable complete dentures instead. These can replace a full arch of teeth. This treatment is ideal for patients looking for non-invasive cosmetic dentistry options.

Your dentist won't need to drill an implant into your jawbone for these dentures. Instead, they'll place an acrylic base on your jawbone and gums. False teeth will sit over the base.

If you're missing one or two teeth, consider removable partial dentures instead. These dentures also replace teeth within the same arch. 

Your dentist will place your prosthetic crowns on an acrylic base before enforcing them with metal. A clasp will ensure the dentures sit atop your existing teeth, ensuring stability.

Implants

Your natural teeth include a crown and root. The root supports your crown and extends into your jawbone. After losing a tooth, the lost root no longer provides your jawbone with the necessary stimulation.

This lack of stimulation can lead to bone loss. Your cheeks may sink inward, causing wrinkles. Without enough jawbone volume, the area can't hold an artificial root.

Talk to your Christiansburg, VA, dentist before you experience bone loss. They may recommend a dental implant. Implants are prosthetic replacements that include the following:

• Implant (which looks like a small screw)
• Abutment (which connects the implant and crown)
• Dental crown (the artificial tooth)

The implant's placement in your jawbone ensures functionality and stability. Your dentist may recommend this option if you're missing one or more teeth. 

Dental implants are made from biocompatible titanium. This strong material is long-lasting, giving dental implants a 97% success rate.

Visit your dentist to determine if you're an ideal candidate for this treatment option. To restore your smile, you'll need to schedule multiple appointments.

During the first surgery, your dentist will cut into your jawbone to place the titanium implant. You may need three to six months to heal. During this time, osseointegration occurs as the jawbone grows around the implant.

This ensures the implant will remain in place. It won't shift when you eat or speak. This is a major differentiator when comparing dentures vs. implants.

After osseointegration occurs, your dentist will place the abutment atop the implant. Finally, they'll place the crown atop the abutment to restore your smile. The entire process could take about a year.

Dental implants are natural-looking and long-lasting. They can restore your ability to function and self-confidence while protecting your health. Consult your dentist to determine if this solution is right for you. 

Dental Bridge Options

Dental bridges consist of crowns and artificial teeth. Crowns fit over your natural teeth while artificial teeth "bridge" the gap.

Bridges can replace one tooth or a row of teeth. Common dental bridge options include:

• Traditional dental bridges
• Cantilever dental bridges
• Maryland (or resin-bonded) bridges

Traditional bridges consist of crowns on both ends with artificial teeth (pontics) in between. With a cantilever bridge, there's only a crown on one end. Cantilever bridges aren't as strong as traditional ones.

Maryland dental bridges use metal wings instead of crowns. Your dentist will bond the wings to the back of a neighboring tooth. They're ideal for replacing front teeth (since they lack the strength to withstand chewing forces).

Discuss the Best Tooth Replacement Options

Which of these options to replace missing teeth best suits your needs? Visit our restorative dentists at New River Valley Dental Care to find out.

We're committed to providing the highest quality of care in a pleasant, relaxing environment. We use the latest technology to offer exceptional treatments.

Trust our qualified professionals and individualized treatment plans to achieve a healthy smile. Contact us now to schedule your next appointment.