What Are Options To Replace Missing Teeth

What Are Options To Replace Missing Teeth

Tooth loss is not just an aesthetic problem; losing even a single tooth brings many complications, such as difficulty in chewing and speaking. Besides, tooth loss also results in a  significant reduction in one’s self-confidence. Therefore, it is essential to replace missing teeth as soon as possible. If you have lost one or more teeth, you’re not alone. According to the Oral Health Foundation, over 74% of Britians have at least one tooth missing. But losing a tooth does not mean that you have to live without it throughout life. Today, there are many options available to replace missing teeth. In this article, we explain various tooth replacement options so that you can make an informed decision in consultation with your dentist. 

How Can My Tooth Be Replaced If I Have Lost All My Teeth?

Even if you have lost all your teeth, there is no need to worry; modern dentistry has the solution for that as well. Previously, dentists used to replace all missing teeth using complete dentures. However, patients used to be unhappy with them due to their tendency to get stained quickly, time-consuming and challenging maintenance, and the need for frequent repair and replacement. So today, dentists replace all missing teeth using dental implants that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Your dentist will use up to 4 or 6 implants in each jaw to support a complete fixed bridge. Such prostheses are called all-on-four or all-on-six implant-supported fixed bridges. 

I Have A Missing Tooth. Which Are My Best Options To Replace It?

A single missing tooth is the simplest to replace with implants. First, your dentist will insert an implant at the missing tooth’s site, which will gradually become anchored within the jawbone and serve as a replacement root. Once the implant is firmly embedded, your dentist will attach a porcelain or zirconia crown over it to restore your smile and dental function. 

What Is The Medical Solution Of Missing Teeth?

The only solution for treating tooth loss is to replace them with artificial teeth. Luckily, there are various options available these days for tooth replacement. For example, depending on your oral health status, the number and location of the missing teeth, and your budget, your dentist may use removable dentures, dental bridges, or dental implants to replace your missing teeth. 

What Is Better, Root Canal Or A Tooth Extraction?

A root canal is a procedure in which your dentist will remove the inflamed pulp tissue from the tooth’s interior and then seal it with an inert material – to prevent future infection. A root canal procedure is an attempt to save a grossly damaged tooth from extraction. Today, dentists focus on salvaging even the most badly damaged teeth. However, if the root canal treatment does not work, your dentist will extract the affected tooth and replace it with an implant. Therefore, it is better to go for a root canal treatment than to get the tooth extracted. 

Can A Wisdom Tooth Replace A Bad Molar?

Technically, yes, it is possible. If someone loses a first or second molar tooth, their dentist may use orthodontic treatment to move the wisdom tooth into the missing tooth’s position. However, this can only be done if the wisdom tooth is completely formed. Another option is transplantation. In this procedure, your dentist will extract the wisdom tooth and reimplant it over the missing molar site. However, this procedure, only works when the tooth root is still developing, allowing the tooth to become embedded within the new socket. 

That being said, both the techniques mentioned above are complicated and time-consuming. Another more straightforward option is to replace the missing molar with an implant-supported crown with exactly the same shape, size, and surface features as the missing molar tooth. 

Is Implant Treatment Not Recommended For Deep Bite?

The conventional implants may be too long for placement inside the oral cavity for individuals who have a deep bite. In these cases, dentists use mini-implants; these implants are similar in shape and structure to traditional implants. The only difference is that the mini-implants are much shorter. Therefore, they can be used suitably for tooth replacement in individuals with a deep bite. 

What Is The Effect Of Missing Teeth?

Missing teeth can cause various problems, apart from the obvious effect on one’s smile and facial aesthetics. For example, when a tooth is lost, bone tissue around it starts to degrade faster, resulting in weakening and embrittlement of the jawbone – making it more prone to fractures. Similarly, bone loss around the face also results in the appearance of wrinkles and creases, making one look older than their age. Besides, missing teeth also create significant difficulty in chewing food and speaking typically. That is why it is essential to get your missing teeth replaced as soon as possible to avoid long-term complications. 

Why Is It Important To Replace Missing Teeth?

Our teeth make us look beautiful and allow us to eat and speak. However, losing even a single tooth can cause problems with speech and chewing. Besides, the longer you wait to get your missing teeth replaced, the harder will it be for your dentist to replace them successfully due to extensive bone loss. Hence, it is essential to replace missing teeth, especially permanent ones.  

What Happens If You Don’t Replace A Missing Tooth?

If one ignores to replace their missing teeth, the bone tissue around the missing teeth will begin to degrade, resulting in a shrunken face and a brittle jawbone that is prone to fracture. Besides, the adjacent natural teeth slowly creep into the missing tooth’s place, resulting in the formation of excessive spaces, or diastemas, between the teeth. 

How Can I Prevent A Cheek Bite With A Teeth Implant?

Your dentist will design the angle and position of the implant in a way that offers optimal chewing efficiency while preventing accidental cheek or lip bites. Therefore, optimal treatment planning before implant insertion is essential. That is why you should go to an experienced implant dentist to get your teeth replaced.  

Finding the right implant dentist in your area requires time and patience. But if you’re living in Newnham, you don’t have to look anymore. Visit Newnham Dental Practice for your entire family’s dental needs, from dental implants to veneers and Invisalign aligners. So, book your new appointment with us today and let us give you a smile that you can genuinely be proud of! 

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