Options for Replacing Missing Teeth
Choices for Replacing Lost Teeth
Your smile is one of the first things people notice when they meet you for the first time. Having a full set of teeth can enhance your smile and overall appearance. However, teeth can be damaged or fall out due to injury or decay. Replacing missing teeth can help restore your smile and improve your ability to eat and speak normally.
If you are in Cedar Grove or the surrounding area, Cedar Grove Dental Group offers options for replacing missing teeth. Our team can help you choose the best option for your budget and needs. Contact us today at (973) 857-0567 to schedule an appointment and find a solution that you can feel confident about.
Available treatments
Patients who are missing teeth have access to effective treatment options to address this issue. Our team will evaluate a person's medical history, the severity of oral health conditions, and the number of missing teeth to determine the best treatment option. Possible recommendations may include:
- Dentures: These can be full or partial. Dentures are removable and made to look like natural teeth
- Implants: This process takes longer than other options, but implants are more durable. Implants work well for patients who are missing multiple teeth
- Bridges: As an article on WebMD explains, this treatment fixes artificial teeth to crowns over natural teeth. Bridges can stop surrounding teeth from shifting.
It is important for both the patient and the dentist to openly discuss all treatment options, considering their benefits and challenges, in order to determine the best fit.
“An evaluation will factor in a person’s medical history, the severity of oral health conditions, and how many teeth are missing to decide on the preferred treatment option.”
Durability Comparison of Tooth Replacement Options
When choosing a long-term treatment option, durability is a crucial factor to consider. The longevity of a treatment can impact both the time and cost involved. No patient wants to constantly return to the office for more dental work on the same issues.
Implants are the most durable option available. According to Healthline, dental implants can last up to 20 years with proper care. They replace a tooth's roots, providing stability similar to natural roots.
While bridges may not last as long as implants, they can still serve a patient well for a decade or more. Routine visits with a dentist can help monitor the bridge for wear.
Dentures are a moderately durable option, typically needing replacement every seven to eight years. Despite this, patients should still be able to eat most foods with dentures.
“The last thing a patient wants is to return to the office every couple of years for more dental work treating the same issues.”
The Impact of Age on Replacing Missing Teeth
It is important to have functioning teeth regardless of age. Missing teeth can make chewing difficult, weaken oral health, and impact appearance. Our staff takes age into consideration when determining the best option for replacing missing teeth. Older patients may prefer dentures, as they may not be concerned about a long-lasting solution and find them easier to clean. On the other hand, younger patients who are more active and social may prefer implants. Younger patients are also more likely to be in good overall health, which is important for being a good candidate for dental implants.
“Regardless of a person’s age, it is vital to have functioning teeth.”
Deciding on the Best Options for Replacing Missing Teeth
Understanding the various treatment options is important for patients to consider. Depending on the number of missing teeth, different options may be more suitable. For a few missing teeth, bridges or implants could be the best choice. For multiple missing teeth, partial dentures may be a good solution. Full dentures are often recommended for replacing all missing teeth.
In addition to considering the extent of their dental issues, patients should also budget wisely. While implants are a durable option, they can also be the most expensive. Those with budget constraints may want to explore dentures or dental bridges instead. It's important for individuals to assess their lifestyle and preferences to determine the best replacement option for their needs.
