Are Implants the Best Tooth Replacement Option?

Are Implants the Best Tooth Replacement Option?

Which tooth replacement option is right for you?

Here’s an exciting statistic for you: between 1999–2004 and 2011–2016, tooth loss among Americans over age 65 decreased by 30%! That means that with better oral health education, more access to dental care, better tooth replacement options, and other factors, fewer people are losing their teeth.

However, accidents still happen, and people still have missing teeth. The great news is there are some excellent tooth replacement options available. Let’s learn about the best here.

Reasons for Missing Teeth

Missing teeth can be attributed to various causes. Some of the most common are tooth decay and gum disease. Both of these dental issues can be largely avoided with proper dental hygiene. That is why daily flossing and brushing and regular trips to the dentist are crucial. These steps are the best ways to prevent these diseases.

Other times, tooth loss can occur because of things more outside your control. For example, sports injuries and other blows to the face can damage teeth. Sometimes these damaged teeth can be reinforced with a crown; other times, the teeth have to be removed.

In rare cases, genetics can account for missing teeth. Some people’s permanent teeth never grow in as they should.

Reasons to Replace Missing Teeth

Aside from cosmetic options, why should you replace your missing teeth? Especially if the missing tooth is in the back, many people might wonder if it is worth the bother.

However, replacement teeth are useful for more than just looks. When you have a gap in your smile, the teeth around it can start to shift over time, which can affect your bite. Your teeth also support your jawbone health, and a missing tooth can cause you to start losing bone over time, which can change your appearance and make you look older.

A missing tooth can also cause pain in the joints on either side of your jaw, known as temporomandibular joints. You may have heard this condition referred to as TMJ disorder.

Tooth Replacement Options

Thankfully, there are many great options for replacing your teeth. The hardest part is deciding which replacement option is right for you. It’s always important to consult with your dentist to help you pick the best option.

Bridge

A bridge “bridges the gap” between teeth. It can serve as a replacement for one tooth or several missing teeth.

The prosthetic is custom-made to perfectly fit in with the rest of your teeth. Crowns are placed on your real teeth on either side to anchor the bridge in place.

A bridge is a less expensive option but requires grinding on what are typically perfectly healthy teeth to add the crowns.

Partial or Full Dentures (But Only If Multiple Teeth Are Missing)

If you’re missing multiple teeth, a partial denture may be a good solution. Full dentures are also a great choice if you’re missing all your teeth.

Dentures are removable prosthetics that generally require daily cleaning and dental adhesives to stay in place.

Implant

Implants utilize a titanium post that is inserted into the jawbone where your natural tooth’s root would go. The post is then allowed time to heal and fuse with the bone. Once this process is complete, a false tooth can be mounted on top.

Implants don’t require any special cleaning. Simply brush and floss your teeth as you normally would to maintain your oral health.

They can be used to replace one or multiple missing teeth. For patients with no remaining teeth, All-on-4 dental implants are a good option. The prosthetic is made and mounted on four to six implants in your mouth.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are the best choice for most people. As the tooth replacement option that looks and feels most like real teeth, they are beloved by dentists and the patients who get them.

The post supports your jawbone to help maintain the integrity of the bone and the shape of your face. It also serves as a sturdy base for a false tooth.

Implants that are properly cared for can typically last the patient’s lifetime. This means they are a permanent option that you don’t have to worry about redoing at some point.

The Best Implant Dentist in Dallas

Are you considering getting dental implants? It’s a safe and effective tooth replacement procedure, but it’s very important that you choose an experienced dental surgeon. Dental implants can last a lifetime, but only if they are installed correctly.

Don’t just search online for “dental implants near me” and choose the first option that pops up. Choose an experienced surgeon like Dr. Alhadef at Dallas Cosmetic Dental. Book an appointment to learn more about the benefits of dental implants and your eligibility today!

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