04
Aug
3 Options for Replacing Missing Teeth and Avoiding Bone Loss
3 Options for replacing missing teeth
Aside from the apparent cosmetic effect of tooth loss, there are many additional less conspicuous implications of tooth loss in adults. Tooth loss may make eating difficult, especially chewing nutritious foods such as fruits and vegetables. As a result, malnutrition is a possible side effect of missing teeth.
The consequences of tooth loss are not limited to the lost teeth; the adjacent teeth are also affected. When teeth are lost, the remaining teeth are more prone to shifting about the mouth, possibly leading to other dental issues. Additionally, tooth loss often results in the deterioration of the remaining teeth.
However, that is not all. The bone supporting the teeth is also affected. As a result, tooth loss ultimately leads to bone loss, which worsens with time. The final effect is often a sunken face, making the patient seem much older than their actual age.
Fortunately, dentistry has progressed significantly in recent years, and there are now great alternatives for replacing missing teeth, including:
1. Dentures
Dentures have improved significantly over the years. When manufactured by a competent dental office, dentures now resemble real teeth and are custom-built to suit the patient’s mouth pleasantly. On the other hand, dentures have the greatest disadvantage of being removable and prone to slipping and sliding. Even so, they are usually a very cost-effective alternative for missing teeth, and they come in partial and complete sets.
2. Dental bridges
For individuals who do not have a lot of missing teeth, bridges are a great choice. Dental bridges consist of replacement teeth and two dental crowns placed over the teeth on each side of the gap. The new tooth is attached to the crowns, resulting in a sturdy bridge.
However, bridges may not be the best option for individuals who have healthy teeth on either side of their gap; after all, crowns are unnecessary on healthy teeth. Furthermore, a bridge is not usually a good option for a patient missing too many teeth in a row since the bridge would not be strong enough in the middle.
3. Dental implants
A dental implant is a titanium screw inserted in the patient’s jawbone and serves as a replacement tooth root. It is perhaps one of the most favored treatment techniques for restoring lost teeth. Dental implants offer support for the surrounding bone, reducing the risk of bone loss. The inserted screw is then connected to the natural-looking replacement teeth. Dental implants are popular among patients because, unlike dentures, they are permanent in the mouth. They are also very durable and may last a lifetime if properly cared for.
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The bottom line
If you have missing teeth, you should talk to a dentist immediately. We can evaluate your specific circumstances and options for replacing missing teeth.
Request an appointment or call Randal S. Elloway DDS, Inc at (530) 527-6777 for an appointment in our Red Bluff office.
Randal Elloway, DABOI, FAAID
Dr. Elloway has a Bachelor’s in Biology from La Sierra University and a DDS from Loma Linda University, and brings over 30 years of dental experience to his practice in Red Bluff. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and a member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and Northern California Dental Society. Dr. Elloway is committed to continuous learning and compassionate care, and volunteers internationally to help needy patients.