Options For Replacing Missing Teeth

All teeth replacement options are available for people who need to replace all the teeth in their mouths. Living without teeth can make life difficult. Thanks to advances in dental technology, patients can replace their missing teeth and restore their mouth functionality and appearance.

It can be challenging to have missing teeth and have trouble finding a resource for treatment options. Our team at Smile Solutions in Pittsburg and the surrounding area can help. Call us at 620-317-0286 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.

The Right Candidates For Teeth Replacement

Before a patient chooses a tooth replacement treatment, they should contact us so that we can determine if the candidate is in the right situation for the procedure. Dentures and dental implants can be ideal solutions for some, but they are not the perfect solution for all patients. Besides missing all or most teeth, patients should have enough healthy gums and jawbone for these treatment solutions.

We will help determine the most effective teeth replacement option for replacing missing or damaged teeth. Depending on the number of teeth missing, there are several possible options. Contrary to what people may think, there are a number of reasons for needing to replace missing teeth. We will evaluate the patient’s current condition, medical history, and any other factors we need to customize the treatment.

Durability Comparison Of Tooth Replacement Options

Durability is a critical factor when choosing a long-term treatment option. How long something will last impacts the time it takes out of your life and how much it will cost. The last thing a patient wants is to return to the office every couple of years for more dental work, treating the same issues.

Implants are the most durable option. According to an article in Healthline, this is the main advantage of dental implants. These titanium false teeth can last up to 20 years with proper care and maintenance. Implants also replace a tooth’s roots and can make this system as stable as natural roots.

Bridges will not last as long as implants, but this combination of artificial teeth, crowns, and natural teeth can serve a patient well for a decade or longer. It is not removable, but routine visits with your doctor will help monitor the bridge for wear.

Dentures are a moderately durable option and typically require replacement more often than implants and bridges. Patients will need to replace them every seven to eight years. However, the patient should be able to eat most foods with dentures.

Implant-Supported Options

Another treatment option for tooth loss is a dental implant, which is becoming a more common option for complete teeth replacement. We offer several different types of implant styles depending on the patient’s lifestyle, oral health, and preferences. An alternative is to get implant-supported dentures. This is a method of teeth replacement that features the structure of implants and the flexibility of dentures.

  • Dental implants. Dental implants are a permanent option for complete teeth replacement. More than 3 million people have dental implants, according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Dentists place titanium posts into the gums during implant surgery and later attach a tooth crown to each post for a brand new set of artificial teeth.
  • Implant-supported dentures. Another option combines technology from both dentures and implants. Implant-supported dentures use surgery to place metal implants into the gums. After healing, the dentist then places a custom-made denture of artificial teeth onto the posts. Patients have a more secure fit but must remove the dentures each night for cleaning.

The Process Of Replacing All Teeth

When a patient is ready to go forward with complete teeth replacement, our team can guide them through the process. After deciding on a complete teeth replacement, our team schedules a consultation. We evaluate the mouth and gums and take x-rays. Then, the dental provider recommends treatment. Before getting dentures or implants, our dentist will remove any remaining teeth or diseased gum tissue.

With dentures and implants, the dentist measures the mouth before treatment begins. We take impressions to get the right dimensions for the new prosthetic. Afterward, that information goes to the lab for a custom fit. After the lab creates the dentures, they may require several fitting appointments to ensure comfort. Patients who need implants will schedule surgery to place the implants. Then, there may be an appointment to place abutments onto the posts. A few months later, the dentist places the individual implants onto the metal posts.

Frequently Asked Questions

A. Not replacing missing teeth can lead to various problems with oral health. Along with that, it can help to restore one's smile. Complete teeth replacement helps improve speech, eating, appearance, and oral health.
A. Patients with dentures or implant-supported dentures may need to avoid foods such as carrots, apples, nuts, and tough cuts of meat. With dental implants, there is no need to adjust the diet. Whatever one eats, it is important to continue to brush and floss regularly after getting dentures or implants.
A. After getting implants, there is no adjustment period because they act and feel like real teeth. Wearing dentures for the first time may require an adjustment of about 30 days. Patients may feel a little discomfort in the jawbone as their mouth gets used to the dentures.
A. Dental implant patients can continue their normal oral hygiene routine of brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash. Patients with dentures or implant-supported dentures should rinse the dentures after each meal and soak them in a cleaning solution at night. All patients should continue to make regular appointments with their dental provider.
A. Dentures are typically replaced every five to 10 years. The bridge from implant-supported dentures may also need replacement over time. Dental implants can last for decades, so they may never need replacement.

Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile

By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.

Dental Implant Terminology

An abutment is a component that attaches to the dental implant so a professional can place a dental crown to provide patients with an artificial, aesthetically pleasing and fully-functional smile.

Bone augmentation is the process in which a medical professional rebuilds the bone to strengthen it enough for the placement of dental implants.

Bone density refers to the amount of bone mineral in bone tissue.

Multiple replacement teeth that are fixed in place via attachment to dental implants, natural adjacent teeth, or a combination of the two.

A crown is an artificial tooth, usually consisting of porcelain, which covers the top of the implant to provide people with an aesthetically pleasing and fully-functional tooth.

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants may be an option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason.

Endosteal is a type of dental implant that a professional places in the alveolar and basal bone of the mandible that transcends only one cortical plate.

Eposteal is a type of dental implant that conforms to whichever edentulous surface of an alveolar bone is superior.

An implant-supported bridge is a dental bridge that professionals fix in place with the use of dental implants inserted in the jaw to create a sturdy set of artificial teeth.

An oral irrigator is a type of water-flosser device that uses a stream of water to clean between the teeth and improve gingival health.

Osseointegration is the process by which a titanium dental implant fuses with the surrounding bone over several months after an oral health professional places the implant in the jaw.

Literally “around the tooth.”

A removable complete denture is a complete denture that people can remove when necessary, at night, or to clean.

A resin-bonded bridge is a dental bridge that professionals fix to the surrounding teeth with a type of resin to provide patients with a long-lasting solution.

Resorption is the process by which the body absorbs the calcium from the jaw since there are no tooth roots to cause the necessary stimulation and proceeds to use the calcium in other areas.

A ridge expansion involves widening the jaw for more dental implants when there is not enough space for the implants.

Transosteal is a type of dental implant that includes threaded posts that penetrate the superior and inferior cortical bone plates of the jaw.

It's Time To Start Feeling Confident About Your Appearance

You may be amazed by what a big difference a new smile makes. Our team is eager to help restore your mouth and appearance. Call us today so you can replace your missing teeth. You can feel more at ease about eating, speaking, and meeting new people in Pittsburg.

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