Categories: Dental Restorations

Replace Missing Teeth With a Dental Restoration

Dental restoration treatments can be used to replace missing teeth. Missing teeth creates gaps in a person's smile. This can lead to a loss of confidence.

Missing teeth also leave you vulnerable to various dental issues. Teeth are anchored down by their roots, which stimulate jawbone tissues when they bite down on something. When a tooth falls out, the jawbone loses some of this stimulation, and bone tissues in the jaw begin to break down.

Teeth falling out can also lead to other teeth moving out of their proper alignment. This is the body's attempt at closing up the spaces created by missing teeth in an attempt to restore functionality.

Dental restoration treatments for missing teeth

Here are dental restoration procedures that a dentist can use to replace their patient's missing teeth.

1. Implants

Implants are highly recommended by dentists when it comes to replacing missing teeth. These are the only dental restorations that prevent the jawbone atrophy that tends to take place when a person loses a tooth. Implants serve as artificial teeth roots and are inserted in the patient's jaw.

The implant fuses with bone tissues around it in a process called osseointegration. The implants bond with the patient's bone tissues and become one with them. The implant can then be fitted with a restoration, like a crown, to complete the treatment.

Implants can last a lifetime with good dental hygiene and do not require special cleaning. Implants are widely viewed as the closest thing to a real tooth.

2. Bridges

As the name implies, bridges are used to close up spaces between teeth. Traditional dental bridges are anchored down on the two teeth closest to the gap. These teeth are called abutments and might be covered with crowns for extra support.

Getting a bridge often requires two trips to the dentist. During the first visit, the teeth that will be covered with crowns are prepared and an impression of the patient's mouth is taken. The impression is sent to a dental lab, where oral restorations like bridges are made. It typically takes about two weeks to get the finished product back to the dentist. Patients are usually fitted with temporary bridges while they wait for their customized bridge to be made.

3. Dentures

These are considered the most affordable way to replace lost teeth. Dentures consist of artificial teeth and a framework that rests on the wearer's gums. The framework is held in place via suction and dental adhesives can be used to improve stability. Dentures replace the look and function of lost teeth and can last up to 10 years when properly maintained.