Ways to Replace Missing Teeth
Losing a tooth has never been described as a good time. It can be painful, embarrassing, and it can lead to difficulty maintaining proper oral hygiene, as well as potential bone loss.
Fortunately, if you need teeth replaced, you have more options than ever before. Dental technology and procedures have advanced rapidly in the last several decades. This means that you have the choice of how you handle the restoration of your smile.
Rizkalla Dental Associates uses an array of modern technologies to replace missing teeth. Which path we take depends on your oral hygiene, as well as your personal preferences.
Dentures
Dentures are removable and can be used to replace any number of missing teeth. Unfortunately, they aren't the sturdiest of restorations. They can tend to move a bit when talking or eating, which some find uncomfortable.
There are also temporary dentures that easily flip in and out. These are commonly used as placeholders for more permanent methods.
Bridges
Bridges are a permanent solution when missing one or two adjacent teeth. This method relies on having healthy teeth on either side of the gap, from which are suspended a bridge of false teeth. The downside is that this involves cutting down the anchor teeth, which may otherwise be perfectly healthy.
Dental Implants
These restorations are easily the most permanent and effective solution to the dental restoration. Dental implants involve a surgery that embeds a titanium rod directly into the jawbone, imitating the roots of a tooth. A ceramic or zirconia tooth is then affixed to the implanted rod.
Dental implants not only look just like real teeth, but they perform the same as well, returning full functionality to your bite. On top of this, implants mimic the tooth's roots, which stimulate the jawbone, preventing the degradation of bone mass that can occur after tooth loss.
Which is Right for Me?
The type of restoration you decide on depends on your overall oral health and your individual preference. Some methods require that the surrounding teeth be healthy enough to support whichever treatment is needed.
For example, dental implants are standalone replacements, but a bridge may require that the surrounding teeth have the structural integrity necessary to support it. In the end, it is best to consult your dentist for a professional opinion.
Rizkalla Dental Associates are experienced dental health professionals in Plymouth, MA. If you would like to find out more about restoring your smile, contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our expert doctors.