Missing teeth can severely impact oral health, speech, eating pattern, and confidence. Luckily, a few tooth replacement options are available if you are missing one or several teeth. This article will explore the four most popular options an oral surgeon can provide to restore a full and healthy smile.
Dental implants are the most durable tooth replacement options available today. They consist of titanium, and the oral surgeon will insert them directly into the jawbone, where they become firmly anchored by the body’s natural healing process. Implants do not rely on the gums or other tissue to stay in place; instead, they connect directly with the jawbone and provide a sturdy foundation for replacement teeth.
A fixed dental bridge is a permanent tooth replacement option. It usually consists of porcelain fused with metal (PFM) or pure porcelain. A fixed dental bridge restores the tooth’s function while blending in with the surrounding natural teeth and keeping them in place.
There are four types of dental bridges: traditional, Maryland, cantilever, and implant-supported.
Traditional Bridges
This type of bridge uses two crowns to anchor artificial teeth, so no gap is left in one’s smile. This often involves shaving the two adjacent teeth surrounding the gap to support the anchors.
Maryland Bridges
This type of bridge is similar to traditional bridges, but instead of shaving the two teeth surrounding the gap, the bridge offers metal claps surrounding the artificial tooth.
Cantilever Bridges
This bridge is similar to the Maryland fixed bridge, but instead of a pontic (false tooth), there is a cantilever arm that extends from one abutment to another. This allows for more flexibility than the alternatives.
Implant-supported Bridges
This bridge style is for those with at least two missing teeth. It will look like the traditional bridge; instead of shaving down the adjacent teeth, the oral surgeon will use dental implants to secure the bridge.
Full dentures, also called complete dentures, are made from metal or acrylic materials and consist of four to six frames that fit over the patient’s natural gums to hold artificial teeth in place. They are a suitable tooth replacement option for those who have lost all their natural teeth due to gum disease, illness, or injury. An oral surgeon can also recommend them when the patient only has one or two natural teeth left in each arch, but this is less common because it is difficult to keep food between these few remaining teeth while chewing.
Partial dentures are a removable tooth replacement option for those missing a few teeth in one or multiple areas but have enough remaining healthy natural teeth. They are similar to complete dentures, being that they use the same materials, acrylic, and metal. However, instead of being glued to the patient’s gums daily, the partial dentures will have metal clasps that attach to the natural teeth, enabling the patient to flip the device in and out of place.
The best way to determine which tooth replacement option is most effective for you is by speaking with our oral surgeon. All you have to do is contact our Coon Rapids office to book a consultation, and we will walk you through the steps necessary to determine your treatment plan.
Request an appointment here: https://www.northsideoms.com or call Northside Minnesota Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons at (763) 284-3159 for an appointment in our Coon Rapids office.
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