Replacing a tooth is never ideal, but it’s a relatively common need. Whether through accident, aging, or lapses in dental hygiene people have teeth extracted and replaced all the time. Fortunately, your Valley Alder dentist in Bloomington is more than prepared to help you navigate the process and find the best solution for you. With these top ways you can replace your teeth, your smile can be whole in no time.
Top Ways You Can Replace Teeth
To get you started, let’s have a look at the three best tooth replacement options currently available.
A Dental Implant
Dental implants are essentially the gold standard for tooth replacement as long as you’re a good candidate for the procedure. They tend to be a bit more costly, but they are one hundred percent worth it in the long run. A dental implant is the only tooth replacement option that is capable of maintaining healthy bone tissue in your jaw because the post is drilled directly into your jawbone. This post typically lasts a lifetime. Also, the crown showing above the gum usually only have to be replaced every 10-20 years.
A dental implant does require several office visits and an extended healing period after the placement of the post. With that being said, their usage is so versatile that they are often your dentist’s top choice as long as you have the gums and jaw bone to support the implant. Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, several teeth, or to help strengthen another prosthetic device.
A Dental Bridge
There are two types of dental bridges: one that is supported on either side by dental implants and one that is supported on either side by your natural teeth. Generally speaking, a single dental bridge is usually capable of replacing up to four teeth.
If you opt for a dental bridge supported by your natural teeth, then the process is fairly streamlined. Your dentist will take impressions of your mouth and use them to create a dental bridge that perfectly fits. Just keep in mind that this type of dental bridge can put extra strain on those natural teeth.
If your dentist considers you a good candidate for dental implants, they will likely suggest using an implant-supported dental bridge to protect your remaining teeth. As an option, it is more affordable than replacing each individual tooth. And you gain the benefit of protecting the integrity of your jaw in that area.
Removable Denture
Partial or complete removable dentures are often the best option for patients who need to replace a lot of teeth. Dentures are a more cost-effective option, but they do come with some downsides. They have to be taken out for cleaning every night. They will need to be refitted and repaired relatively frequently as you age. They’re slightly less secure than a dental bridge, and they don’t do anything to encourage your jawbone to remodel.
One way to ameliorate the negative aspects of dentures is to anchor them with a few strategically-placed dental implants. It’s a more costly and extensive procedure. But you’ll maintain the shape of your face while ensuring that your dentures only come out when you want them to. Anchoring dentures with dental implants can even reduce the frequency of fittings and repairs. Why? Because your jawbone is less likely to dramatically change shape as a result of bone loss.
The Choice Is Personal
Your health, finances, and preferences will certainly shape the tooth replacement option you eventually choose, so we hope this guide has given you a beginner’s look into the world of prosthodontics in Bloomington. In order to make an informed choice that suits your needs, talk to your local tooth replacement specialist at Valley Alder. Your dentist will be able to evaluate your current oral health and give you a picture of what might be best for you.
