The prospect of a new set of teeth can be equally exciting as it is daunting. However, there are various treatment options available, so whether you need a couple of teeth replaced or the whole set, at Ascent Dental Care, we have the perfect treatment for you. In this article, we will explore tooth replacement and how to find the best option for you.
What are the causes of tooth loss?
The main reasons behind tooth loss are tooth decay, gum disease or physical damage. These all require a different amount of treatment to resolve.
- Tooth decay is the process of excess food and bacteria building up on the teeth, forming an acidic substance, eroding the teeth and causing cavities.
- Gum disease is the product of plaque forming on the teeth and gum line excessively. This can lead to swollen or inflamed gums and eventually tooth and bone loss.
- Sporting injuries most often cause physical damage and vary in the extent of damage depending on the injury.
What options are available for replacing multiple teeth?
Dental implants
Dental implants are effectively replacement tooth roots, which are placed and fused with the jawbone. These are excellent for replacing singular teeth but aren’t as effective when tasked with replacing multiple. Dental implants do have the benefit of looking very natural, accompanied by a realistic feel and function. A single dental implant can last for years, with little to no maintenance involved. However, you should keep in mind that dental implants do require surgery and will cost more than bridges or dentures, on average.
Bridges
An alternative treatment for missing teeth could be dental bridges. These usually come in two different forms, a fixed bridge and a resin retained bridge.
- A fixed bridge allows the gap between teeth to be bridged by placing an implant and then fixing a customised bride over where the missing tooth once was. This process takes a few months to complete, but the result will feel and function just like natural teeth. This treatment is a less costly alternative to dental bridges and requires little maintenance when fitted.
- Resin retained bridges are usually the more viable option if you need a replacement for your front teeth. The resin retained bridges attach to the remaining natural teeth on either side of the missing front teeth. These are less invasive than fixed bridges and are also much less expensive.
Dentures
Much like bridges, there are two common forms of dentures used to supplement your natural teeth. These options are the removable partial dentures and the complete removable denture:
- Removable partial dentures: This denture is designed to replace teeth from a small section in your mouth to allow the mouth to function as normal. These dentures are cost-effective and allow for a better chewing experience; however, they are much less durable than implants or bridges and are prone to becoming more and more uncomfortable after prolonged use. However, they are probably the cheapest replacement option for teeth and can be easily repaired if needed.
Removable complete dentures: This option allows for the total replacement of all your teeth. The complete removable denture will take several months to complete and be fitted, but it is a very sturdy, functional and natural-looking solution to missing teeth. However, you should remember that these dentures aren’t designed to be worn 24/7 and can become uncomfortable if worn for too long.
