Our teeth do not always have it easy. Sometimes, for various reasons, they can even “fall out” of our mouths.
How do you replace a missing tooth following physical trauma, periodontal disease, dental extraction or other causes?
Here is an overview of the different solutions to replace one or more missing teeth.
Is it necessary to replace a missing tooth?
Missing teeth only lead to problems, so all maxillofacial surgeons agree that it is essential to fill any toothless gaps.
Not replacing one or more missing teeth could result in the following problems:
- Crooked teeth
- Decrease in chewing ability
- Poor oral health
- Premature wear of remaining teeth
Solutions to replace missing teeth
There are many solutions to replace missing teeth. Choosing the right one partially depends on the number of teeth to replace. Here are the main solutions to replace a missing tooth.
Dental bridge
A dental bridge is the first solution to replace one or more missing teeth. It usually consists of two ceramic dental crowns permanently fixed with dental cement on both sides of the gap. A fake suspended tooth is then held by these two crowns.
This discreet, attractive and comfortable solution can cover the entire space left by missing teeth. However, the adjacent teeth on which the bridge will be placed must provide adequate support.
If these teeth are missing or in poor condition, the dental bridge can be placed over dental implants.
Dental implant
Dental implants are another common solution to replace one or more missing teeth.
The dental implant consists of a small titanium screw inserted into the jawbone to replace the natural root of the tooth.
Once the healing process is done, the implant is covered with an implant-supported crown.
Dental implant placements are ideal when the teeth adjacent to the gap are intact. This means that the teeth do not have to be filed down, unlike with a conventional dental bridge.
Safe, durable and easy to maintain, dental implants are recommended to replace one or more missing teeth.
Removable dentures
Removable dentures are a third solution to replace one or more missing teeth.
Removable dentures are custom-made from the patient’s mouth impressions. They are usually made up of multiple fake teeth that resemble real ones.
This treatment is mainly intended for those whose teeth are not strong enough to support a dental bridge or when there are multiple gaps to fill.
Removable dentures offer excellent stability and are also more affordable than some other alternatives.
Choosing the right solution to replace a missing tooth
You now know more about the different solutions to replace a missing tooth.
If you have lost one or more teeth, schedule an appointment with your dentist right away. They will be able to recommend the best solution for you after a thorough oral examination.
