What Are the Best Tooth Replacement Options?

Less than 50 percent of adults in the United States have all their permanent teeth. Aging increases your chances of losing a tooth or two. Statistics show that two-thirds of individuals between 40 and 64 have at least one tooth missing. Nearly 19 percent of people over 65 years old are edentulous or have all their natural teeth missing. The common causes of tooth loss in adults are tooth decay or dental cavities.

Losing a tooth or more can affect your self-esteem. You may become more self-conscious when talking to people and in social setups. Missing a tooth or teeth can also affect how you eat or speak. Fortunately, there are different ways to fix the problem. Read on to learn about the best tooth replacement options.

Dental Implants

The most common tooth replacement method is the use of dental implants. They are very reliable and look and feel like your natural teeth. They offer a permanent solution for individuals who want to replace their missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. Dental implants can last a lifetime if you take proper care of them.

The process of getting dental implants can be lengthy. Your dentist will begin by replacing your missing tooth root with the dental implant metal screw. The screw will act as a post for anchoring the crown or false tooth that will get placed on its top. You will need time to allow the implant to heal after the screws get put in place. The healing time is necessary for the implant to fuse to your bone. After healing is complete, your dentist will place a dental crown on top of your implant.

Bridges

Individuals who have one or two missing teeth can benefit from bridges. As the name suggests, this tooth replacement option gets fitted on either side with crowns. The adjacent teeth will need grounding. 

A patient can choose the crown based on their preference or taste. Most opt for a porcelain material, but others choose metal alloys or gold. 

The fixed bridges entail a procedure that could take up to three weeks. They get cemented and can last a very long time. They also do not require a long maintenance routine. Since they almost feel like natural teeth, the only maintenance they need is regular brushing and flossing. 
 

Clean the gap between the jaw and the bridge with water to remove trapped food. The adjacent teeth to the bridge are prone to decay and infection since the bridge gets grounded on them.

Crowns

Crowns are like a cap shaped like a tooth. Your dentist places them over your tooth to restore its strength, size, and shape. They also help improve the appearance of your tooth. Crowns encase the visible portion of your tooth above the gumline after it gets cemented. Dental crowns cover dental implants and hold bridges in place. 

Dentures

Dentures have been in use for many years as a tooth replacement option. They are non-invasive and cost less than options such as dental implants. Artificial teeth get attached to their acrylic base to look like natural teeth. They also support the lip and cheek muscles to improve your facial appearance.

Dentures can be removable or fixed. Your dentist can realign your dentures if your face contour changes due to some conditions or aging. The con of having dentures is they are inconvenient when chewing sticky and hard foods. They also loosen often and may need fitting at a dentist. Sometimes, people get embarrassed with dentures in social setups.

What Option to Choose

Visiting a dentist is the best way to know what tooth restorative method is ideal for your situation. All the options have their individual functions. They help restore your smile, dental health, and tooth functionality. If you are unsure about what tooth replacement options are suitable for you, visit your dentist for a consultation.

For more about tooth replacement options, visit Obeng Family Dental at our office in Port Orange, Florida. Call (386) 761-9440 to book an appointment today.