Best Option for Missing Teeth Replacement
There are a number of restorative options available to patients who need to replace one or more missing teeth. One option may be to do nothing but that is not a good or healthy plan. Just one missing tooth can lead to bone deterioration in the area which will eventually lead to further tooth loss. Remaining teeth shift to close the empty space and can lead to even more spaces and/or crowding throughout the mouth.
The most common reason for tooth loss in adult patients is untreated tooth decay. When decay is left untreated, it can grow to a point that the tooth is deemed hopeless and needs to be extracted. Missing teeth can cause the patient to feel self-conscious about their smile and may even lead to issues with eating and speaking.
Traditional Dentures and Dental Bridges
A denture can be either a full or partial denture, depending on the number of teeth that need to be replaced. Traditional dentures are removable for easy cleaning and maintenance and are often one of the most cost-effective options. A full denture replaces an entire arch of teeth on one or both arches and a partial denture replaces a few missing teeth in one area. A dental bridge is a type of partial denture but it is permanently cemented in place and cannot be removed by the patient.
Traditional dentures are ideal for patients who need a quick fix or for those who cannot endure dental implant surgery. Dentures have a number of benefits but do have some drawbacks: dentures are not as natural looking as other options; they can lead to deterioration in the jawbone which then leads to an ill-fitting denture that can become uncomfortable and eventually need to be replaced. When the jawbone deteriorates, changes in the facial structure may become evident.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically placed directly into the jawbone. Dental implants have a success rate between 95% and 97% for most patients. Implants are considered a permanent restoration and are much more stable and natural looking than other options. A dental implant can be used to replace an individual tooth, multiple teeth, or even a full arch.
Implant-Supported Dentures
While an implant crown replaces an individual tooth, an implant-supported denture is a great way to replace multiple teeth in one area. Missing multiple teeth does not mean that you need to have one implant placed for each tooth. One implant can support multiple implant crowns.
An implant-supported full denture, or all-on-four, is a beautiful way to restore an entire arch. They are incredibly natural looking and comfortable for the patient. They cannot be removed by the patient since they are screwed onto the implants so when you go in for your routine dental cleaning, your dentist will remove the denture and the hygienist will clean the implants and the denture.
Even though dental implants are more expensive, their longevity provides the benefit of having one implant for the rest of their lives as opposed to a denture that may need to be replaced every decade or so. Dental implants are also the overall healthier options because the implant helps support bone structure and regeneration. Tooth roots stimulate bone growth so when a tooth is lost, that area of the bone can begin to weaken.