If you are looking for a tooth replacement treatment, there are multiple choices available. Your dentist can help you decide which method makes the most sense for you. Living with missing teeth can pose both mental and oral health challenges. It can be embarrassing to have large gaps in your mouth. Plus, you could be at risk of developing infections or even suffering bone loss. Fortunately, prosthetic treatments can be effective in restoring your smile.
Ways to prevent tooth loss
Before considering what tooth replacement treatment is right, people can think about a prevention strategy. Maintaining good oral hygiene is an effective step to reducing the risk of tooth loss. Daily flossing and brushing at least twice a day will help people avoid cavities and gum disease. Thus, teeth will be stronger and less prone to becoming brittle. The gums will not pull away from the teeth, causing them to become loose.
Being cautious about biting into hard items can prevent tooth loss too. Eating foods such as hard candy and caramel apples and chewing on ice can break or knock teeth out. It is also good to wear the right protection during contact sports and activities. This includes wearing mouthguards for people who already have damaged or loose teeth.
Full dentures
Traditional dentures have long been a common tooth replacement method. When a person is missing all their teeth, the dentist may recommend this treatment. Dentures consist of an acrylic gum-colored base with artificial teeth. The teeth are usually made of ceramic, porcelain, or metal covered in plastic. Traditional dentures rest on the gums and allow the patient to chew most foods. The dentures also restore the person’s smile.
Implant-supported dentures
These are similar to traditional dentures, but there is one key difference. This type of dentures attach to implants and do not rest directly on the gums. The dentist will usually place two or three implants in both the upper and lower jaw. This type of denture is permanent. An advantage of having implant-supported dentures is that they will not likely slip while the person is eating or speaking.
Partial dentures
If the patient does not need a full tooth replacement, partial dentures are the right decision. These are removable and have a base custom-made to a mold of the person’s mouth. This appliance has artificial teeth that fit in the space in the mouth where there are missing teeth. Clasps on the base will hold the dentures in place.
Implants
Dental implants can replace all of a person’s teeth, but this is usually a tooth replacement method for one or a few teeth. These consist of durable titanium posts, which the dentist drives deep into the jawbone. A natural-looking crown acts as the replacement tooth. A smaller piece, called an abutment, connects the post to the crown. Implants can last for 20 years or more and restore the full function of the mouth.
A successful tooth replacement can restore your smile
Whether you are missing one tooth, several teeth, or all of your teeth, you should seek treatment right away. Dentures, partial dentures, implant-supported dentures, and implants are all good options. Your dentist can recommend the most effective method. Make an appointment today to discuss your next steps.
Request an appointment here: https://www.simplysmilesdentist.com or call Simply Smiles Dentistry at (520) 368-3351 for an appointment in our Tucson office.
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