Replacing a missing tooth provides more than just an aesthetic benefit 一 although that is a major advantage! Replacing missing teeth can improve your oral health, help you articulate clearly, and make eating easier.
If you’re ready to replace a missing tooth (or teeth), know that you’ve got plenty of options available at Dr. Darj Dental, in El Paso, Texas. Here, Mehrnoosh Darj, DDS, explains your tooth replacement choices and how to decide between each of them.
Dentures are removable prosthetic teeth. They consist of artificial teeth attached to a gum-colored acrylic base, which sits directly on your gums and is held in place with adhesive or natural suction. They can provide full or partial coverage, depending on how many teeth you need replaced.
Dentures don’t require any surgery or incisions, so they’re an attractive option for anyone seeking a nonsurgical replacement option.
While they’re your most affordable choice, dentures do have a few drawbacks:
Without tooth roots (or dental implant posts) to stimulate your jawbone, your bone eventually deteriorates and creates a sunken facial appearance. Nevertheless, dentures are a great option if you don’t want dental implant surgery or if you’re not cleared for surgery.
While dentures are removable, dental implants aren’t. Dr. Darj surgically implants a post directly into your jaw. It then fuses with your jawbone and creates a strong, sturdy base for a prosthetic tooth. Dental implants can replace a single tooth and can also support multiple teeth.
Dental implants do require surgery, and it can take a few months for your implant to fully fuse and heal before you get your replacement prosthetic tooth. However, there’s a big advantage to this process. Because your implant stimulates your jawbone, it helps reduce your risk of jawbone atrophy.
Caring for dental implants is easy. Simply, brush your implant with a soft-bristled brush and a nonabrasive toothpaste 一 just as you’d brush your natural teeth!
Dental bridges are another option to consider. There are many types of dental bridges, but the basic concept is the same. Natural teeth on either side of a tooth gap support a “bridge” that contains a prosthetic tooth or teeth.
The most common type of bridge consists of two crowns (on the natural teeth that surround your missing tooth) and a pontic (the prosthetic tooth). This is called a traditional dental bridge.
Other types include:
An implant-supported bridge provides wider coverage but with the stability of a dental implant. This means you can replace a few teeth without needing an implant post for every single prosthetic tooth.
Regardless of which option you choose, replacing your teeth can affect your physical and mental wellness in a few ways.
Tooth replacement can boost your confidence and enhance the appearance of your smile. Having a mouth full of functional teeth also makes chewing easier. This can help limit indigestion from poorly chewed food.
You may also notice that you can articulate better with all of your teeth. This is especially true if you’re missing any anterior teeth.
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, Dr. Darj knows that there isn’t just one answer. She can make a recommendation after considering several factors, such as:
The bottom line: Whether you’re missing one tooth or all of them, our team has what you need to restore your smile. To schedule your tooth replacement consultation, give us a call at 915-213-3767 or click here to get started.
