How to Replace Missing Teeth

Gum disease, tooth decay, a freak accident, or genetic disorder can all be behind a missing tooth. No matter what the cause, it’s important to replace missing teeth before other dental problems arise. Luckily, our dental office in Lexington, KY, offers plenty of restorative dentistry services you can choose from. Here’s a quick look at a few options for replacing missing teeth, as well as the pros and cons of each treatment.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are an alternative when you need to replace a single tooth or when multiple teeth are missing in various areas of your mouth. This procedure includes the surgical mounting of a titanium metal post or frame in your upper or lower jaw. The replacement tooth is then applied to the implant, allowing the tooth to stay in place. Essentially, a dental implant provides a permanent foundation for a replacement tooth. Although the cost varies, the treatment is approximately $3,000 to $6,000 per implant.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Patients often choose dental implants because it looks and feels just like natural teeth. The best part of all is this restorative treatment can last for decades. Another benefit of the implant is that it doesn’t require nearby teeth (like a bridge), so the majority of the teeth can stay intact.

Disadvantages of Dental Implants

This is a surgical procedure, so you need to be in good physical condition for surgery and recovery. Plus, the healing process will take several months to complete. Your dentist can not attach a new tooth until the dental implant is fully healed. Since dental implants are not supported by surrounding teeth, you will need to have a decent jaw bone mass to hold the dental implant. Often, dental implants tend to be more costly than other replacement options for missing teeth. Some insurances may be protected by the treatment, but you may be liable for deductibles and co-pays.

Dental Bridge

If you don’t want to invest in a dental implant, see if you are a candidate for a fixed dental bridge. This tooth replacement option may be a good choice if one or more teeth are missing in the same area. A fixed dental bridge fills the space by using a dental prosthetic or artificial tooth. The prosthetic is applied to the adjacent teeth and then bonded to the position using dental cement.

The price of a single bridge depends on the materials used and your geographical location. Some reports suggest that a single bridge will cost between $300 and $1,000. Ask your dental insurance company if they will cover the cost of your dental bridge.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

Like dental implants, bridges look and feel like real teeth. You might find that they enhance the appearance of your natural teeth on either side of space. They’re generally cheaper than dental implants, too.

Disadvantages of Dental Bridges

It can be difficult to clean the tooth under the bridge. Bridges include the modification of existing teeth. Also, a poorly fitted bridge may gradually damage the adjacent teeth over time. Our friends at Digital Doc, a leading dental technology company, adds that plaque and bacteria may seep underneath the bridge, causing tooth decay or infection.

Partial Dentures

Your Lexington, KY dentist may recommend full dentures if you need to replace all your teeth. But if you only need to replace some missing teeth, you may be a candidate for partial dentures.

Partial dentures also look and feel like natural teeth. They are custom, removable, and sit securely in your mouth. The base is designed to complement the color of your gums and the color of your natural teeth. Partial dentures are an affordable treatment for missing teeth. Despite common misconceptions, dentures are highly recommended by dentists all over the world.

Some insurances can be protected by removable partial dentures. Although prices vary, pricing calculators display costs ranging from $1,500 to $3,000.

Advantages of Partial Dentures

Removable partial dentures are custom made to enhance your smile. Dentures are also less costly and easier to fix and replace than other tooth replacement options.

Disadvantages of Partial Dentures

Some people may find partial dentures painful, at least before they adapt to wearing them. Since dentures are removable, they must be cleaned regularly before bedtime. This constant handling can make them more prone to wear and tear.

What Happens If I Don’t Replace Missing Teeth?

There might be little-to-no effect in some situations. Depending on the location of your missing tooth, you might not necessarily feel a void in your mouth. This may be the case if you’re missing a tooth on the back or side of your mouth. But your teeth are built to work together, so missing one or more teeth can often have an effect on everyday activities such as talking, eating, and drinking. If you find yourself adjusting the way you eat or talk because of your missing teeth, you should see a restorative dentist in Lexington, KY.

Missing teeth can alter the shape of your face, as it can cause your mouth to move. Also, the bite may adjust to make up or compensate for missing teeth, and the remaining teeth may shift and move due to extra space. This can cause other dental problems, such as tooth sensitivity, tooth grinding, and overcrowding.

Visit Your Lexington, KY Dentist

If you’re missing teeth due to dental decay, gum disease, or an accident, contact our Lexington, KY dentist about ways to restore your smile. The cost varies depending on the replacement choice, the number of teeth you need to replace, and bone structure. Many dental insurance companies will cover a portion of the tooth replacement. If not, contact our dental office to discuss payment options. We look forward to meeting you soon!