Why Replace a Tooth?

The loss of teeth may cause problems within the mouth, including shifting teeth, jawbone loss, difficulty eating and speaking, etc. Over time, these problems will create further complications for your oral health. The correct method for replacing the missing tooth will help protect the oral structure, maintain proper alignment, and provide long-term support to the mouth.

Below are some of the more frequently used best tooth replacement options for replacing one or more lost teeth.

Dental Implants

One of the most modern and successful methods of replacing teeth is through dental implants, which include a metal post made of titanium that will be inserted into the bone of the jaw, simulating an artificial root for a tooth. Once the post heals properly, a tooth crown can be made specifically for each individual and placed onto the post.

Some benefits of dental implants are:

• Does not affect the surrounding teeth
• Preserve the jawbone
• More attractive than bridgework or dentures

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge can be used for those who have lost one or more adjacent or neighbouring teeth. This is one of the best tooth replacement options that commonly utilizes adjacent teeth as supports to hold an artificial tooth in place in the area where the gap occurs.

The following are the benefits of dental bridges:

• Less time to complete the procedure than an implant
• Better ability to chew and speak
• Prevention of neighbouring teeth from shifting
• May be economical than the cost of an implant in certain situations

Dental bridges will require alteration or modification of any neighbouring teeth. Hence, this type of replacement may not be beneficial for every individual.

Crowns

Dental crowns are frequently utilized with both dental implants and dental bridges in the process of restoring lost function to a tooth. Dental crowns restore lost strength, shape, and aesthetics to missing or existing teeth.

Dental crowns provide many benefits, including:

• Protecting and supporting weakened teeth from their decay
• Providing natural-looking aesthetic results
• Improving the function of a person's bite
• Providing long-term reliability and function if they have good oral hygiene practices

Dentures

Dentures offer individuals the option to replace several missing (or all) teeth via a prosthodontic solution. These can be found in both complete and partial forms and have been custom-designed for optimal comfort. Contemporary denture designs allow for a satisfactory fit and improved comfort and support compared to older types of dentures.

Some benefits of using dentures include:

• A non-invasive dental restoration option
• Cost-effective compared to implants
• Enables patients to chew and speak again
• Enhanced facial appearance and contours

Selecting Appropriate Treatment When Replacing Missing Teeth

Many factors influence what type of tooth replacement option is going to work for you: how many teeth are missing from your mouth, your current oral health, your lifestyle choices, and your finances. You may want to consult a dentist in Arnold, MO, to determine what the best tooth replacement option would be for you.

By speaking with an experienced professional, you can find out which tooth replacement methods will be the right fit for your smile.

Final Thoughts

Dental advances continue to provide improved solutions to restoring the function, appearance and health of missing or damaged teeth. Thus, not having teeth does not have to be a permanent issue. The earlier you take action, the better off you will be in creating long-lasting success and maintaining a healthy smile. So, why wait? Get a consultation from any dentist in St Ann, MO and choose the right dental treatment for you!