Smile is an attire that gives confidence to everyone, be it appearing at any gathering or talking with someone. But a missing tooth can damage your smile as well as your confidence. People with missing tooth are often on quest for finding options for replacing a missing tooth.
The findings of a study by The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) show that more than 90% of adults between the ages of 20 and 64 suffer from tooth decay. The study also revealed that the number of people with one or more missing teeth is increasing over time.
But the silver lining is that modern dentistry has developed numerous options for replacing a missing tooth. We’ve done the research for you and collected the information. Read this blog to know what options are available for replacing a missing tooth.
Options That You Can Try to Replace a Missing Tooth
Losing your teeth is very unfortunate; you can lose the ability to eat your favorite food. Missing teeth can make you more self-conscious while speaking.
Thanks to the advancements in dentistry, there’s no dearth of options for replacing a missing tooth.
Dental Crowns
If you’re looking for an excellent solution to severe tooth decay and other dental problems, dental crowns are your answer. Dental crowns make the visible part of the affected tooth stronger and better looking by covering it.
Various materials like porcelain, gold alloy, and ceramic are used in the making of dental crowns. Your dentist will help you choose the best one based on your needs and budget. Dental crowns can also support dental implants and bridges. Crowns are durable so that they can last over a decade.
Pros of Dental Crowns
- Dental crowns can help to restore a damaged tooth’s appearance, as well as its strength and function.
- They are available in different materials, and can be color-matched to the surrounding teeth, creating a natural look.
Cons of Dental Crowns
- Getting a dental crown involves removing a portion of the natural tooth, which can weaken it and increase the risk of infection.
- Dental crowns can be expensive, and not all insurance plans cover the cost.
Dental Implants
Dental implants make an ideal replacement option for many people by integrating with your natural bone. During the procedure, the dentists of RiverRock Dental securely place an implant and replace the natural tooth root.
Dental implants are made of titanium, a biocompatible material that is also used in many kinds of prosthetics, such as artificial joints. Among the array of options for replacing a missing tooth, implants stand out on grounds of their longevity and effectiveness.
Pros of Dental Implants
- Dental implants provide a long-lasting and durable solution to replace missing teeth.
- They look and function like natural teeth, so you can confidently eat, talk, and smile.
Cons of Dental Implants
- Getting a dental implant can be a lengthy procedure, involving several appointments over several months.
- Implants can be more expensive than other options for tooth replacement, such as dentures or bridges.
Dentures
Dentures are removable dental appliances designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They come in two types: complete dentures, which replace all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw, and partial dentures, which replace only a few missing teeth.
Pros of Dentures
- Dentures are considered as an affordable option for replacing missing teeth.
- Dentures can be customized to fit the individual’s mouth, ensuring a comfortable fit. This makes dentures stand apart from other options for replacing a missing tooth.
Cons of Dentures
- They may need to be adjusted or replaced over time due to changes in the mouth or wear and tear.
- They can be uncomfortable and cause irritation or soreness in the gums and other soft tissues.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Dental implants rather than natural teeth anchor an implant-supported bridge. The implants provide a stable foundation for the bridge and help to prevent bone loss in the jaw.
This type of bridge is typically used when multiple adjacent teeth are missing, and the bridge is attached to two or more implants for support. Implant-supported bridges can look and function like natural teeth, and they are a long-term solution for tooth replacement.
Pros of Implant Supported Bridges
- Implant-supported bridges provide a natural-looking and functional replacement for multiple missing teeth.
- They are a long-lasting and durable solution among options for replacing a missing tooth.
Cons of Implant-Supported Bridges
- Getting an implant-supported bridge can be lengthy, involving multiple appointments and a period of healing after implant surgery.
- The cost of an implant-supported bridge can be higher than other options for tooth replacement, such as dentures or traditional bridges.
Tooth-Supported Bridges
A tooth-supported bridge is a dental restoration that replaces missing teeth with artificial teeth, anchored by two dental crowns on the adjacent healthy teeth. They are a quicker and less expensive option than dental implants.
Pros of Tooth-Supported Bridges
- Tooth-supported bridges can restore the appearance and function of missing teeth, allowing patients to eat and speak more comfortably.
- Bridges can be made from various materials to match the color of the surrounding natural teeth, including porcelain, ceramic, and metal.
Cons Tooth-Supported Bridges
- Fitting a tooth-supported bridge requires grinding the healthy adjacent teeth to anchor the bridge, which may weaken otherwise healthy teeth.
- The loss of tooth enamel may make the supporting teeth more susceptible to decay and other dental problems in the future.
Find the Ideal Missing Tooth Replacement Option at RiverRock Dental
RiverRock Dental is your go-to place for replacing a missing tooth. The dental experts listen to your concerns and help you choose the right option from the range of options for replacing a missing tooth. To make an appointment with us, fill out the form, or you can write an email to us @riverrockdds@gmail.com. You can also give us a call at 9524455556. Our team will reach out to you.
