Introduction
Tooth loss can not only be aesthetically problematic, but it can have a negative effect on your oral health as well. It is highly recommended that you replace missing teeth as soon as possible to ensure that your mouth stays healthy as the space created by the missing tooth affects the adjacent teeth and your jawbone strength. Having teeth missing also affects your eating habits which could affect your nutrition after a while and affect your speech. It also puts more pressure on your remaining teeth which will cause them to wear out prematurely.
Today, we are lucky that there are many effective treatment options to replace missing teeth that look and feel natural which have helped so many patients regain the functionality of their teeth while also restoring their smiles.
Why do you need to replace missing teeth?
Missing teeth cause a number of issues starting with providing an opening for bacteria to enter your gums. Infected gums lead to inflammation and gum disease which in turn damages the tissue and bones that support your teeth. When this happens, your jawbone becomes compromised and loses its shape and will eventually start collapsing. It also affects your remaining natural teeth causing tooth decay which leads to a host of further dental issues.
Replacement teeth help fill the gap or gaps and keep the integrity of your jawbone intact. As said there are many tooth replacement options that have made replacing a missing tooth or teeth affordable and convenient.
Speak with a dental expert regarding the best options for replacing a tooth or teeth that will suit your needs specifically. Factors such as how healthy your surrounding teeth are, how strong your jaw bone is, overall dental health and of course your preferred budget, will all play a role in deciding on the best option for you.
Dental Implants
These are one of the most common and popular methods of tooth replacement methods. They are ideal to replace a single tooth or even to replace multiple. Implants provide a strong foundation for either a replacement tooth or a fixed dental bridge or for removable partial dentures. It consists of titanium posts into which the replacement teeth are secured. These teeth are made to match your natural tooth colour so that the difference between the two is not really noticeable. They are durable and very long-lasting which is why they are so popular.
It does require surgical procedures such as the surgical placement of the implant posts to act as a tooth root. This is followed by a period of healing while the posts fuse with your jawbone, after which comes the placement of the replacement teeth. Owing to the secure placement of the implants these do not slip or make a noise or cause bone damage. Dental implants go beyond just aesthetic purposes and actively help solve issues caused by missing teeth, such as regained functionality and strengthening of bones.
They are the ideal solution for anyone with missing teeth, however, if you have a weak or collapsed jawbone then you will require a bone grafting before the implants can be placed.
Immediately after the implants, it is best if you consume soft foods so as not to place pressure on the implants. Keep your mouth as clean as possible and continue to brush and floss, being careful around the implant area. Rinse your mouth with a recommended mouthwash or warm salt water rinses.
Dentures
Dentures are oral appliances used to replace missing teeth. They are removable and are available in a variety of options from full dentures to partial dentures or implant-supported dentures. Even if your jawbone is not in the best of shape you can still consider dentures to replace your missing teeth. Dentures are a very cost-effective way of replacing missing teeth and they can last for about seven to ten years if given the proper care and maintenance.
Today dentures are available in a variety of materials including porcelain and ceramic and are designed to withstand powerful bites so that people can eat with confidence.
After a discussion with your dentist, you can decide on the best denture option for you to cater to your lifestyle. However, in order for the dentures to sit comfortably teeth removals will be necessary. Once done you will be provided with transition dentures till you can be fitted with your permanent ones.
To ensure they remain comfortable and functional small fit changes may be needed depending on changes to your gums and the wear and tear on the dentures themselves. These adjustments will help the dentures last longer and prevent them from being uncomfortable and hurting you.
With dentures, you can eat as you would normally though you may need to give yourself time to adjust to it. Start with bite-sized pieces of food and eat with both sides to even out the pressure. Once you become more confident you can attempt biting directly into soft food such as bread. Except for whole nuts, very chewy food and sticky candy you can enjoy eating almost any type of food.
Ensure that you keep your remaining healthy teeth clean as well as your gums especially where they come into contact with the dentures. Brush your dentures with a gentle brush and use recommended cleaning solutions to keep them clean.
Bridges
Dental bridges are used to fill gaps in your smile. It keeps the anchor or abutment teeth in place on either side of a gap. It uses a framework of either metal or porcelain that is bonded to the back of the abutment teeth. To use this form of replacement option you need to have your natural teeth on either side of the gap. Typically they are made of porcelain or ceramic fused to metal or zirconia.
As they are fixed and custom made they look, feel and function like natural teeth and are more affordable than dental implants. You can eat and drink as normal and do not need to remove the bridges to clean them. The bridge itself can last for more than 10 years while crowns can last for about five to seven years with good care and with regular professional cleaning.
Conclusion
The tooth replacement options on offer today are effective and aesthetically pleasing so that people with missing teeth can experience the joy of having their dental health and smiles back. If you are looking for tooth replacement options speak to a dental professional for advice on what would suit your lifestyle, age and budget the best and give yourself the gift of a restored smile.
